Patent ID: 8545407
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: A61B,G01N,G01S,G06T

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring a mean visco-elasticity value for a soft material, said method using a single probe carrying at least one transducer and comprising the steps of: a) inducing, in a constraint zone, at least one burst of mechanical vibrations, the at least one burst generating an internal shear wave in a tissue propagating from said constraint zone into the tissue, b) measuring, with at least one transducer of said single probe, transient tissue displacements in at least one first measurement zone in the tissue, said at least one first measurement zone being located away from said constraint zone, and c) estimating a mean visco-elasticity of a region of the tissue situated between the constraint zone and the at least one first measurement zone, the shear wave having propagated in said region, from said measured transient tissue displacements of the tissue in the at least one first measurement zone, said mean visco-elasticity being deduced from a velocity of said shear wave between said constraint zone and said at least one first measurement zone.