Quantitative assessment and imaging of viscoelastic properties of soft tissue

This paper presents quantitative assessment and imaging methodology for soft tissue viscoelastic properties using a real-time tissue elasticity imaging system. Our strain imaging system displays a color-coded strain distribution at a frame rate of 2Hz and is available for clinical use with free hand. The viscoelasticity of soft tissue is evaluated from a time-dependent stress-strain curve including hysteretic loop, which is yielded by both compression and relaxation of the body surface. Experimental results with a gel-based phantom, extracted porcine muscle and in vivo breast carcinoma validated the potential of quantitatively assessing viscoelasticity to discriminate normal tissue and carcinoma tissue.