A measurement technique of surgically exposed tissue by ultrasound

Measuring tissue properties in-vivo is highly desirable to obviate concerns for changes of tissue properties following blood stains and coagulation, autolysis, temperawe change, or fixation. Characterization of surgically exposed tissues by ultrasound is an extremely important research area. A close correlation between tissue pathology and acoustic parameters, including sound speed, attenuation and backscatter coefficients and Uieir frequency dependencies would significantly enhance ultxasonic tissue characterization research and would be valuable for quantitative interpretation of diagnostic ultrasound images. Physicians could be assisted in diagnosis, treatment planning, and following progression and regression of diseases. We proposed a novel design for PVDF transducers in which ultrasound transducers are fabricated at the tips of calipers (analog and digital) as miniprobe. Measurement techniques for this purpose are suggested. Feasibility of this miniprobe has been verified using measurement of phantoms and mammalian tissues.