Tissue Elasticity Reconstruction Based on Modified 3-Dimensional Finite-Element Model

Tissue elasticity is specific to each tissue. Quantitative tissue elasticity measurement technology enables new tissue diagnoses. In this paper, we propose a new tissue-elasticity reconstruction method that estimates Young's modulus distribution using quantitative tissue-elasticity information, at a high speed and with a high precision. In addition, noninvasive tissue diagnosis will be possible because we use ultrasonic waves for this measurement. Unlike methods that assume the 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional state, and unlike the method based on a perfect 3-D model that we proposed earlier, our new method uses a modified 3-D finite-element model. Using our modified 3-D model, we can estimate Young's modulus solely from the 2-D strain distribution, to an accuracy almost comparable to that of the method using 3-D strain distribution, and at a much higher speed. In this paper, we verify the validity of the method based on a modified 3-D finite-element model, using simulations and phantom experiments.