Impedance mammograph 3D phantom studies

A review of electrical impedance techniques for breast cancer detection

Some evidence has been found that malignant breast tumors have lower electrical impedance than surrounding normal tissues. Although the separation of malignant tumors from benign lesions based on impedance measurements needs further investigation, electrical impedance could be used as an indicator for breast cancer detection. In this paper, we provide a systematic technical review of the existing electrical impedance techniques proposed for breast cancer detection, with an emphasis on noninvasive impedance imaging techniques. The electrical impedance of human breast tissue is first introduced, with tabulation of previous in vitro impedance measurement results on cancerous and normal breast tissues, and a brief description on the limited in vivo impedance measurements completed with invasive, or noninvasive, non-imaging techniques. A detailed review on noninvasive impedance imaging techniques for breast cancer detection, such as electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and electrical impedance mapping (EIM), is then presented. We suggest that for better breast cancer detection, an invasive impedance technique may be enhanced by combination with other cancer indicators. 3D EIT should be improved through collective efforts. EIM using a pair of electrode arrays is a viable method with great potential. Magnetic induction tomography and other magnetic induction based impedance imaging for breast cancer detection are promising and merit further exploration as well.

An averaging two-electrode probe for monitoring changes in myocardial conductivity evoked by ischemia

This paper considers the applicability of effective conductivity measurements for monitoring physiological and/or pathological phenomena induced by ischemia in the myocardium. The sensitivity of a probe, calculated by means of the finite element method, to changes in the conductivity of the tissue examined is defined for this purpose. Probes developed by Schafer and collaborators (1995) and in our own departments have been examined on the basis of this sensitivity. Theoretical results were verified experimentally using a tank, enlarged models of the probes, and a specially developed electronic circuit. It follows from this study that the probe developed by Schafer et al. is characterized by positive and negative sensitivity. This can lead to misinterpretation of the measurements obtained. In contrast, the sensitivity of our probe is dominantly positive. An example of the in vivo result obtained during experimentally induced ischemia in a swine heart is included.

A 3D electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system for breast cancer detection

A medical device which allows imaging of the distribution of conductivity in 3D in regions below the skin surface has been developed and tested. Its purpose is to enable early detection and preliminary diagnosis of breast tumours. Design of the measuring system and software are described. Results of clinical evaluation of the system are presented. EIT images of healthy and cancerous breasts are presented and discussed. The system is able to visualize various states of the breast and it may be possible to apply it to breast cancer detection.