Fiscal Year:
2007
Title:
Thermoacoustic and Inverse Scattering Breast Cancer Scanner
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
1R43CA123915-01
Award Amount:
$119,504.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Thermoacoustic and Inverse Scattering Breast Cancer Scanner ABSTRACT: We propose a novel, hybrid, imaging system for breast cancer diagnosis that exploits the elevated electrical conductivity. This system combines three
advanced ultrasound- imaging methods with thermoacoustic imaging. The new ultrasound imaging methods are: (1) a reflection ultrasound tomography modality (images acoustic impedance gradients); (2,) an ultrasound inverse scattering modality that image abso
lute speed of sound); (3) an ultrasound inverse scattering modality that images absolute acoustic absorption). The fourth modality is: (4) a new, advanced, thermoacoustic imaging modality, which images electrical conductivity at higher spatial resolution t
han heretofore possible and allows the discrimination of cancer vs. fibroadenoma (which mammography and present clinical ultrasound distinguish poorly). The first modality provides improved imaging over standard clinical ultrasound because of its: uniform
high spatial resolution (B-scan resolving power falls of inversely with range), operator independence, true 3-D images, improved contrast resolution and correction for refraction and absorption. The second and third modalities provide the advanced features
given by the first, plus: perfect spatial registration; absolution quantitative rendering of tissue sound speed and absorption coefficient; elimination of multiple scattering artifacts and speckle; and potential for improved resolution to one half wavelen
gth. The combination of four modes synergistically improves diagnosis and screening. The fourth modality is improved by making amplitude and phase corrections derived from the second and third modalities. One in every 7 women will develop breast cancer in
her lifetime. However, present diagnostic specificity for cancer detection (using mammography) is poor, with 3 in 4 biopsies yielding benign tissue. This proposal, which combines two novel techniques for breast cancer detection?namely Thermoacoustic Emissi
on and Ultrasound Inverse Scattering?has a tremendous potential for improving breast cancer detection.
Small Business Information at Submission:
TECHNISCAN, INC.
3216 S Highland Drive Suite 200 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84106
EIN/Tax ID:
870427600
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No