Ultrasound Palpation System

<strong>Background</strong><br>

The cartilage quality (thickness and stiffness) is commonly determined either visually or by manual palpation. Both procedures are subjective and highly dependent on the experience of the physician. Early signs of degeneration that are not associated with matrix destruction but with slight alterations of stiffness, cannot be diagnosed. <br><br> <strong>Technology</strong><br> The new ultrasound palpation system offers the possibility of a precise quantitative mechanical evaluation of cartilage tissue. The measuring device comprises an ultrasound transducer and an elastomer. Based on the transit-time differences of the received signal tray the compressional stiffness and thickness can be assessed in real-time by a free-hand palpation. Subtle changes in the cartilage-stiffness can be diagnosed at an early stage. <br><br> Thus, this positions the ultrasound palpation system as a reliable device for arthroscopic analyses and for tissue engineering in R&D. <br><br> <strong>Benefits</strong> <ul> <li>Fast and precise assessment of cartilage quality and quantity</li> <li>Sterilisable, robust device</li> <li>Automatic self-calibration </li> </ul> <p><strong>IP Rights</strong><br> DE provisional (10/2012) <br> <br> <strong>Patent Owner</strong><br> Charité University Medical Center Berlin

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