Fundamental imaging algorithms developed by Techniscan to improve breast ultrasound images have been presented at a national medical ultrasound conference in San Diego.
TechniScan said that the breakthrough in imaging is a result of James Wiskin and colleagues David Borup and Steven Johnson’s, work in the mathematics of inverse scattering.
TechniScan’s Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU) system uses a combination of traditional B-mode (reflective) ultrasound and two types of transmission ultrasound speed of sound and attenuation of sound, to produce three unique sets of images. WBU system simultaneously collects both transmission and reflection ultrasound images during a single scanning examination.
The goal of the new technology is to improve breast imaging and provide tissue characterization that will more accurately distinguish pathological from normal breast tissue. The images are captured in a comfortable, radiation-free method as a woman lies prone on an examination table and ultrasound is directed, using warm water as a coupling medium, into the patient’s breast tissue.
James Wiskin, scientist-mathematician and cofounder of TechniScan, said: “This revolutionary new method of imaging produces information not available with traditional reflection ultrasound or whole breast ultrasound as it is presently being developed. Uniquely, we can also capture 360 degree compounded coronal images.
“Our quantitative, high-resolution, speed of sound and attenuation estimates are unique to whole breast ultrasound and have the potential to deliver new diagnostic tools to radiologist. There are many possible applications for our technology and we are looking forward to collaborating with the medical community and breast research centers internationally.”
Salt Lake City-based TechniScan is a medical device company engaged in the development and commercialization of a non-invasive imaging tool designed to provide physicians with automated ultrasound images of the human breast.