Low-power implantable ultrasound imager for online monitoring of tumor growth

Clinicians all over the world agree that the most effective way to deal with a malignant tumor growth within internal organs is to detect it early. In most cases, early detection requires automated localized high resolution scanning of a region of interest - such as lungs, brain, small intestine, and gastro-intestinal tract. External or endoscopic ultrasound technologies are often not effective for imaging deep inside organs due to lack of adequate spatial resolution. In this paper, we propose using a miniature, low power implantable ultrasound imager for online monitoring of tumor growth in internal body parts. We explore the design space for such an implantable ultrasonic imaging system targeted to early detection or post-surgery monitoring of a malignant growth. The system can be placed locally in a susceptible region or for post-operative monitoring of relapse. The proposed system is capable of providing high-resolution image of a volume of interest at periodic intervals, using a relatively safe imaging technology, thus providing a chronic, reliable, and cost-effective monitoring option.