Resonant acoustic sensor for estimating elastic properties of muscular tissues

摘要

Muscular dystrophies are characteristic of muscle atrophy and weakness. One of the major consequences of various muscular dystrophies is a progressive loss of muscle strength. We developed a new method for estimating tissue hardness using an acoustic resonant sensor. The external medium in contact with the specific sensor probe constitutes a mechanical load that modifies the resonance state of the sensor. The interaction between the probe and the medium results of the compression and shear waves propagating in the muscle at a frequency around 25 kHz. A small deformation is applied to the tissue to remain in elastic domain. The method has been validated on reference samples and biological materials: we have shown that the resonant acoustic sensor is sensitive to the difference of properties from muscular area of mice.