Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a stretchable ultrasound patch that enables non-invasive, 3D imaging of tissue stiffness up to 4 centimeters beneath the skin. This innovative device, featured in Nature Biomedical Engineering, offers improved spatial resolution of 0.5 millimeters and can be worn for continuous assessment. It integrates an array of ultrasound elements within a soft elastomer matrix, allowing it to conform to the skin for serial monitoring.
The elastography monitoring system could revolutionize medical research and treatment by providing real-time data on the stiffness of tissues. Key applications include tracking cancer progression, diagnosing sports injuries, and monitoring conditions such as liver fibrosis and cardiovascular issues. Wearable ultrasound technology offers a significant advantage over traditional methods by allowing patients to monitor their health remotely, potentially reducing misdiagnoses and overall healthcare costs.
In clinical trials, the device successfully mapped tissue stiffness distributions and tracked muscle recovery, demonstrating its capabilities in dynamic assessments. With commercial efforts underway through Softsonics LLC, this breakthrough technology promotes advancements in medical imaging and healthcare monitoring.
