Mechanical transverse wave generating method for elastography field, involves generating force within viscoelastic medium by applying acoustic waves focused on interface delimiting viscoelastic medium and artificial medium

摘要

#CMT# #/CMT# The method involves generating an interfacial acoustic radiation force (15) within a viscoelastic medium (11) i.e. biological medium, by applying acoustic waves i.e. ultrasonic waves, focused on an interface (13) i.e. artificial membrane, delimiting the medium (11) and an artificial medium (14) that possess distinct acoustic properties. The medium is imaged by using an ultrasonic sensor (12), in a rapid manner. The generation of the force is combined with the imaging of the medium such that propagation of mechanical waves that are generated in the medium, is imaged. #CMT# : #/CMT# An independent claim is also included for an artificial membrane for serving as an interface during implementation of a method of generating a mechanical transverse wave. #CMT#USE : #/CMT# Method for generating a mechanical transverse wave within a viscoelastic medium i.e. biological medium such as breast, for imaging elasticity of melanoma and lesion, of a superficial zone e.g. skin and soft tissue e.g. bone and cartilage, of the medium in elastography field. #CMT#ADVANTAGE : #/CMT# The method permits to ensure high radiation pressure while avoiding reflections that are harmful to ultrasonic imaging, at the interface, thus improving the quality of imaging the elasticity of superficial zones of the biological medium and improving the visibility and the characterization of the superficial zones within the medium. The method generates mechanical waves within the medium, in a simple, reproducible and synchronized manner. The method permits the membrane to reduce acoustic impedance contrast while improving amplitude of mechanical waves, thus permitting the membrane to be easily adapted for modifying its composition, shape and thickness based on desired application. The method ensures excitation synchronization with the imaging of elasticity of the superficial zones of the medium and excitation localization, with improved power. #CMT#DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : #/CMT# The drawing shows a schematic representation illustrating a method of generating mechanical waves within a viscoelastic medium. 11 : Viscoelastic medium 12 : Ultrasonic sensor 13 : Interface 14 : Artificial medium 15 : Interfacial acoustic radiation force.