In-vivo measurement of biomechanical properties of internal tissues

摘要

A device and method for determining location dependent biomechanical properties of internal tissues is disclosed. The device comprises an expandable probe which is insertable into an orifice of a body and into a body; a flexible conduit to conduct fluid between a fluid supply and said expandable probe; means for conducting fluid between said fluid supply and said expandable probe, said means capable of changing the volume of said expandable probe; a pressure transducer for measuring fluid pressure of said expandable probe; imaging means for detecting strain of internal tissues contacted by said expandable probe; and calculating means for determining biomechanical properties of said internal tissues.