THREE-DIMENSIONAL TISSUE HARDNESS IMAGING

摘要

A method for generating hardness information of tissue subject to a varying pressure. The method comprises receiving signals from the tissue with a sens or for measuring the deformation of the tissue in a measuring plane defined by the sensor, which sensor, during a varying pressure exerted on the tissue, i s moved along the tissue in a direction transverse to the measuring plane; identifying strain of the tissue from the resulting signals; and relating th e strain to elasticity and/or hardness parameters of the tissue. The method ma y comprise the step of displaying elasticity and/or hardness parameters of a tissue surface or tissue volume part extending practically parallel to the direction of motion of the sensor.