Ultrasound Elasticity Evaluation for Liver Fibrosis

A reliable, real-time, non-invasive liver elasticity measurement

Liver fibrosis is a very common disease and may lead to cirrhosis and ultimately loss of liver function or cancer. It is often caused by alcoholism, hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease. Currently, liver biopsy is a gold standard for liver fibrosis diagnosis, but it is invasive. It represents only a small region of tissue, and may also cause complications. Recently, the correlation between liver fibrosis and its stiffness has been widely reported. Non-invasive liver elasticity measurement has been proved to be a reliable method for fibrosis evaluation.

Special Features and Advantages

Non-invasive liver elasticity measurement
Real-time image guiding during measurement
Ultrasound imaging for liver
Locating the measurement zone in liver accurately
Cost effective

Applications

This novel technique can be adopted for non-invasive evaluation of fibrosis and stiffness of livers and other tissues. Real-time ultrasound images are provided during the measurement so that operator can know exactly which part of liver being measured, and also evaluate other liver problems such as fatty liver. Early diagnosis of liver fibrosis together with suitable treatment can help to prevent liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Patents

Patent No:

US2010/0240994 (US), ZL 200910139336.5 (China)

Principal Investigator

Ir Prof. Yongping ZHENG

Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering

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Ultrasound Elasticity Evaluation for Liver Fibrosis

A reliable, real-time, non-invasive liver elasticity measurement