Patent ID: 7819824

Claim:
A dual-array transrectal probe system for mechanical imaging of a prostate comprising: a probe head sized to fit inside a rectum and equipped with a two-dimensional head pressure sensor array adapted to obtain a head pressure response data when said probe head is pressed against said prostate, the head pressure sensor array including a plurality of individual head pressure sensors, a probe shaft attached to said probe head to form a transrectal probe, said probe shaft including a shaft pressure sensor array adapted to obtain a shaft pressure response data, the shaft pressure sensor array including a plurality of individual shaft pressure sensors that provide a pressure sensitive area all the way around the probe shaft, an electronic unit connected to said transrectal probe and adapted to receiving said head and shaft pressure response data, and a processing and display means connected to said electronic unit, said processing and display means configured to generate a mechanical image of said prostate from at least said head pressure response data, data and calculate the position of a sphincter from said shaft pressure response data, and and further configured for simultaneous displaying in real time of said mechanical image of the prostate and said position of the sphincter spaced apart from said prostate during the examination thereof.