Knowledge-based mechanical imaging

Mechanical Imaging (MI) is a new modality of medical imaging mimicking palpatory diagnostics MI provides three-dimensional reconstruction of the internal structures of body soft tissues using measurements of stress pattern on the surface of the investigated tissue. In contrast to the other existing methods of medical imaging which use sophisticated hardware such as superconductive magnets, expensive X-ray equipment, and complex ultrasonic phased arrays MI hardware consists of inexpensive mechanical sensors and a positioning system connected to a PC. Results of our pilot studies have proven the feasibility of the Mechanical Imaging technology. Currently devices for mechanical imaging of prostate a,ld breast are being developed. Recently the first 30 mechanical image of in vivo prostate has been obtained Preliminary data strongly suggest that MI technology is an efficient means of objectively evaluating and imaging the prostate, and detecting prostate cancer.