Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging
Elastographic Imaging of the Cervix and Uterine Wall
WARF: P03009US

Inventors: Tomy Varghese, Mark Kliewer, James Zagzebski

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing an elastographic method and device for producing diagnostic images of the cervix, uterus and pelvic floor.
Overview
Elastography is a new ultrasound imaging technique that detects and images the local stiffness properties of tissues under compression. Elastrography promises to improve the diagnosis of several uterine and cervical disorders. For example, it could provide a more direct measure of cervical incompetence – a disorder believed to be the principal cause of an estimated 25 percent of premature deliveries – because the stiffness properties of the cervix relate more closely to cervical competence than does the current measure, cervical length. In addition, unlike conventional ultrasound, elastography can potentially distinguish uterine fibroids from adenomyosis foci, due to the differences in stiffness between these tissue types.
The Invention
A group of UW-Madison researchers has now developed an elastographic method and device for producing diagnostic images of the cervix, uterus and pelvic floor. Their invention includes a number of ways to achieve the controlled tissue compression needed for imaging, such as using the ultrasound probe itself to compress the uterus or cervix, or inflating a balloon (similar to the balloons used in angioplasty) inside these organs to compress them.
Applications
  • Elastrography imaging of the cervix, uterus and pelvic floor
  • Diagnosis of incompetent cervix, endometrial cancer and other disorders
Key Benefits
  • Provides a simple, low-cost alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of uterine, cervical and pelvic disorders
  • Could provide a more reliable measure of cervical incompetence and the risk of premature delivery than the current measure, cervical length
  • Unlike conventional ultrasound, holds potential for distinguishing between fibroids and adenomyosis in the uterus
  • Could be used to distinguish endometrial cancer from benign uterine disorders such as hyperplasia
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846

WARF