Patent ID: 9044192
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for analyzing a tissue using a medical device, the method comprising the steps of: a) applying a stimulus to a selected location on the tissue to produce waves that propagate through the tissue with a driver; b) acquiring data indicative of a surface wave phase at a plurality of tissue locations with a detector; and using a processor for; c) estimating changes in surface wave phase with respect to distance; d) estimating a surface wave velocity from the estimated changes in surface wave phase with respect to distance; e) determining a viscoelastic property of the tissue from the estimated surface wave velocity using a surface wave model that relates the viscoelastic property to the estimated surface wave velocity; and f) generating a report indicative of at least one property of the tissue from the viscoelastic properties determined in step e).