Technology

Biomechanical Mapping of the Female Pelvic Floor

Definitions

Tactile Imaging
is a medical imaging modality translating the sense of touch into a digital image. The tactile image is a function of P(x, y, z), where P is the pressure on soft tissue surface under applied deformation and x, y, z are coordinates where pressure P was measured. The tactile image is a pressure map on which the direction of tissue deformation must be specified [van Raalte and Egorov, 2015].

Functional Tactile Imaging
translates muscle activity into dynamic pressure pattern P(x, y, t) for an area of interest, where t is time and x, y are coordinates where pressure P was measured.
It may include [Egorov, et. al 2016]:

  • Muscle voluntary contraction

  • Involuntary reflex contraction

  • Involuntary relaxation

  • Specific maneuvers

Biomechanical Mapping
Biomechanical Imaging = Tactile Imaging + Functional Imaging [Egorov, 2023]

Applications of Biomechanical Mapping (BM) in various pelvic diseased conditions:

  1. Prolapse and incontinence: BM can help in the early detection and characterization of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence by assessing the biomechanical properties and structural integrity of the pelvic floor muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments.

  2. Preterm delivery and maternal birth trauma: BM can help predict the risk of preterm delivery and maternal birth trauma by evaluating the biomechanical properties of the cervix, the uterine wall, and the pelvic floor muscles. This information can be used to tailor preventive measures and manage high-risk pregnancies more effectively.

  3. Endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids: BM can help visualize and quantify the extent of these pathologies by assessing the biomechanical properties of the affected tissues, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment planning.

  4. Chronic pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction: By mapping and characterizing the tissue stiffness and elasticity, BM can potentially identify the source of chronic pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction, allowing for more targeted treatment options.

  5. Cervical and ovarian cancer: BM can be utilized to detect early-stage cervical and ovarian cancer by identifying changes in the biomechanical properties of the tissues, thus enabling early intervention and treatment.

 

This technology was advanced in cooperation with Artann Laboratories within the scope of the NIA/NIH grants (Phases I-IV).

BI-score and its components for a 58 y.o. patient acquired with the VTI. Egorov, et. al 2022

 


Biomechanical Integrity Score

Recently, we have introduced a novel quantitative integral parameter called the Biomechanical Integrity Score (BI-score) to assess and characterize the female pelvic floor. This innovative metric enables the objective evaluation of alterations in pelvic tissues, support structures, and functionalities under various pathological conditions. By utilizing the BI-score, researchers and clinicians can gain deeper insights into the biomechanical transformations of the pelvic floor, facilitating improved diagnosis and treatment of related disorders.

 

 Patents

Issued

  1. Methods and probes for vaginal tactile and electromyographic imaging and location-guided female pelvic floor therapy. USA Patent No. 9,861,316; January, 2018.

  2. Method and device for measuring tactile profile of vagina. USA Patent No. 8,840,571; February, 2014.

  3. Methods for assessment of improvements in pelvic organ conditions after an interventional procedure. USA Patent No. 8,419,659; November, 2013.

  4. Methods for assessment of pelvic organ conditions affecting the vagina. USA Patent No. 8,187,208; May, 2012.

  5. Method of characterization and differentiation of tissue. USA Patent No. 8,142,368; March, 2012.

  6. Tactile sensor array for soft tissue elasticity imaging. USA Patent No. 8,069,735; December, 2011.

  7. Methods for characterizing vaginal tissue elasticity. USA Patent No. 8,052,622; November, 2011.

Pending

  1. Method and probe for predicting spontaneous preterm delivery. USA Patent Application No. 18,395,293; December, 2023.

  2. Digital twin of the female pelvic floor. USA Patent Application No. 18,374,721; September 2023.

  3. Tactile ultrasound method and probe for predicting spontaneous preterm birth. USA Patent Application No. 18,370,439; September 2023.

  4. Tactile ultrasound method and probe for predicting preterm birth. USA Patent Application No. 18,144,752; May 2023.

  5. Method for characterization of the female pelvic floor with a biomechanical integrity score. USA Patent Application No. 17,526,271; November, 2021.

  6. Methods for vaginal tactile and ultrasound image fusion. USA Patent Application No. 17,028,636; September, 2020.

  7. Method and probe for predicting spontaneous preterm delivery. USA Patent Application No. 16,574,270; September, 2019.

  8. Methods for biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor. USA Patent Application No. 16,055,265; August, 2018.

 

 Learn More About

Tactile Imaging in Cancer Detection: Sarvazyan, et. al 2011 (review)

Elastography - Emerging Branch of Medical Imaging: Sarvazayn, et al 2011 (review)

Tactile Imaging for Female Pelvic Floor: Egorov, et. al 2016 (book chapter)

Biomechancial Mapping of the Female Pelvic Floor: Egorov, 2023 (book)