High-Resolution Speckle-Free Ultrasound Imaging System - A Potential Solution for Detecting Missed Breast Cancer

摘要

The Imperium Inc transmission ultrasound system is a highly promising novel method for imaging the breasts. In this pilot project we worked with Imperium to advise and help them modify their existing system for non- destructive testing into one suitable for breast imaging. Technical development of the system took longer than originally anticipated. We have performed a series of physics tests. We have imaged pieces of animal tissue obtained in a supermarket We have performed a small pilot feasibility trial in human specimens. The initiation of this project was delayed by non-approval of the human use portion of the project but we did receive US Army Human Use approval for study of human breast tissue samples and have studied 12. We are about to place the prototype system in the clinical breast center to study breast biopsy specimens with Imperium and standard ATL ultrasound. Imperium has continued to improve the machine during this past year. A prototype system for in vivo breast imaging has been designed with all but one major component constructed. The National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) has recently provided to the Georgetown research team two years of new funding to continue this research.