Fractional carbon dioxide vaginal laser treatment of stress urinary incontinence: Remodeling of vaginal tissues and improving pelvic floor structures.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate remodeling of vaginal biomechanical and physiological properties using vaginal fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort included 26 patients with SUI between October 2019 and November 2020. Patients were treated with two sessions of FemTouch vaginal fractional CO2 laser with a one-month interval. Three subjective assessments were administered to all patients: female sexual function index (FSFI), vaginal health index score (VHIS), and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICIQ-SF). Vaginal tissue biopsies were taken from 6 patients before treatment and one-month after the final treatment. Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) measurements, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed before treatment and 10-12-months after treatment in 10, 9, and 6 patients, respectively. RESULTS: The average age of the cohort was 39.5 ± 12.0 years. The overall scores for FSFI, VHIS, and ICIQ-SF significantly improved in patients after each treatment sessions as compared with baseline scores. VTI showed significantly increased pressure resistance of both the anterior and posterior vaginal walls after treatment. Ultrasonography showed significant decreases in bladder neck mobility and urethrovesical angle during the Valsalva maneuver after treatment. MRI scans showed significant decreases in the length of the vaginal anterior wall after treatment. Histological examination confirmed that the laser treatment led to a thicker stratified squamous epithelium layer as compared to the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatment can restore vaginal biomechanical and physiological properties by increasing vaginal tightening and improving pelvic floor structures.

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Improves Vaginal Laxity via Remodeling of Vaginal Tissues in Asian Women.

Background: Vaginal laxity (VL) is characterized by the relaxing of the vaginal wall that affects the quality of life and sexual function of patients. The current management of VL such as Kegel exercises and topical or systemic hormonal replacement results in unsatisfactory outcomes; thus, novel modalities are needed to improve the efficacy. Vaginal fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment has shown growing applications for the treatment of VL, but results show nonconformities due to the lack of objective evaluations. In this study, we aimed to validate the clinical efficacy and biophysical benefits of fractional CO2 laser treatment for VL patients with the incorporation of objective approaches. Methods: This is a descriptive study without controls. A total of 29 patients were enrolled and treated with two sessions of FemTouch vaginal fractional CO2 laser, with a one-month interval between sessions. Both subjective and objective measurements, including female sexual function index (FSFI), vaginal health index score (VHIS), vaginal tactile imaging (VTI), and histology were used to validate the clinical efficacy and biophysical benefits after treatment. Results: The overall FSFI scores and VHIS scores after the first and second treatment sessions were significantly higher than the baseline scores (p < 0.01, n = 29). VTI measurements showed a significant increase in maximal pressure resistance (kPa) of both the anterior and posterior vaginal walls at a 10−12-month post-treatment visit compared with pre-treatment controls (p < 0.001; n = 16). Histological examination showed that laser treatment led to increases in the thickness of the stratified squamous epithelium layer and density of connective tissues in the lamina propria. Conclusions: Fractional CO2 vaginal laser treatment can improve both vaginal health and sexual function and restore vaginal biomechanical properties by increasing vaginal tissue tightening and improving vaginal tissue integrity in Asian women. Our data support that fractional CO2 vaginal laser is a valid treatment modality for VL.

The impact of radiation therapy on vaginal biomechanical properties.

OBJECTIVE: In women with cervical cancer (CC), treatment with radiation causes changes in vaginal biomechanical properties, anatomy and function. The aims of the current study were to objectively assess effects of radiotherapy (RT) on vaginal elasticity, wall mobility and contraction strength; and to evaluate associations of these changes with sexual function. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Between May 2018 and June 2020, women with CC who were candidates for RT were eligible to participate. Participants underwent vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) evaluation and were asked to fill the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire at the time of first RT session and at a 6-month post-treatment follow up visit. Women who underwent radical hysterectomy, or had pelvic side-wall, pelvic or distant organ metastasis were not included. RESULTS: A total of 25 women with locally advanced CC were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 39 ± 2.7 years, the mean BMI was 24.8 ± 2.2 kg/m2 and the median parity was 2 (range: 1-5). Following RT, the mean scores for vaginal elasticity and vaginal tightening were significantly lower than at pre-treatment: 11.3 ± 2.5 vs. 28.3 ± 9, P < 0.0001 and 2.6 ± 0.7 vs. 16.7 ± 3, P < 0.0001, respectively. Following RT, significant decreases were demonstrated in vaginal wall mobility and pelvic muscle contraction strength: from 1.77 ± 0.34 to 0.36 ± 0.15, P < 0.0001 and from 2.55 ± 0.48 to 0.52 ± 0.23, P < 0.0001, respectively. Compared to pre-treatment, post-RT vaginal length was significantly shorter (3.30 ± 0.22 vs. 7.64 ± 0.63, P = 0.0023) and sexual intercourse frequency significantly lower: 1 (range 1-2) vs. 2 (range 1-4), P = 0.014). The mean total FSFI score was significantly lower following RT (6.7 ± 1 vs. 14.5 ± 2.7, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with locally advanced CC who have been treated with RT exhibit persistent vaginal biomechanical changes that compromise sexual activity and result in considerable distress.

Vaginal Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment and Changes in Vaginal Biomechanical Parameters.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vaginal fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser treatment has emerged in the past two decades as a non-surgical option for vaginal tightening. Mounting evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of this treatment for female sexual dysfunction. A newly developed vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) technique accurately evaluates the biomechanical parameters of the female pelvic floor and vagina, including tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle function in high definition. In the current study, we evaluated changes in objective biomechanical parameters using VTI, following vaginal CO2 laser treatment for vaginal tightening and sexual dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort between June 2018 and January 2020. Inclusion criteria were vaginal looseness, decreased local sensation during sexual intercourse, and sexual dysfunction. All the participants were treated with a vaginal carbon dioxide laser. They underwent a gynecological evaluation based on the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) and sexual function assessment according to the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Vaginal biomechanical parameters were assessed by VTI. Initial evaluations were performed at the pre-treatment consult visit, 1 week prior to the first treatment and at a 6-month post-treatment follow-up visit. RESULTS: Twenty-five women were included in the final analysis. Compared with baseline, the post-treatment mean scores for vaginal elasticity and tightening were higher (54.8 ± 5.2 vs. 41.5 ± 6.3, P = 0.0027 and 1.97 ± 0.25 vs. 1.32 ± 0.31, P = 0.0014, respectively). Post-treatment increases were demonstrated in pelvic muscle contraction strength (25.9 ± 3.5 vs. 16.5 ± 4.2, P = 0.0011) and in reflex pelvic muscle contraction (2.93 ± 0.44 vs. 2.12 ± 0.47, P = 0.0022); the mean FSFI and VHI scores were higher following treatment (28.47 ± 1.73 vs. 21.12 ± 1.58, P = 0.036 and 19.15 ± 1.27 vs. 11.6 ± 0.97, P = 0.0032). CONCLUSIONS: The quantification of vaginal biomechanical parameters using VTI technology offers objective evidence of the beneficial effect of vaginal CO2 laser treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

The impact of vaginal hysterectomy and uterosacral ligament suspension on vaginal elasticity and sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: Hysterectomy for benign indications has profound effects on both anatomical and physiological pelvic floor and vaginal properties. Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) enables the quantification of pelvic floor and vaginal biomechanical properties; this enables objective evaluation of various pelvic floor functions. The purposes of this study were to evaluate via VTI, the changes in vaginal elasticity, mobility and strength, before and after hysterectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) and high utero-sacral ligament suspension (USLS); and to assess associations with sexual function. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of these procedures on vaginal elasticity and sexual function. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study included women who underwent hysterectomy by vNOTES and USLS for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). All the women underwent both pre- and postoperative VTI and sexual function evaluation. Vaginal elasticity and wall mobility, and the contraction strength and tone of levator muscles, were measured prior to and 6 months following surgery using VTI. RESULTS: A total of 23 women, mean age 56.5 years, with stage 3-4 POP participated. Vaginal elasticity increased from 27.3 ± 8.8 to 34.8 ± 12 (P < 0.05) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores increased from 22.17 ± 1.62 to 28.66 ± 1.51 (P < 0.05). No correlation was observed between these results. A statistically significant decrease in the mobility of the anterior vaginal wall was demonstrated, from 7.98 ± 10.6 to 0.83 ± 7.5 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: VTI showed improvements in vaginal elasticity, mobility and FSFI scores following hysterectomy and POP repair performed by vNOTES.

Feasibility and safety of antepartum tactile imaging.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Quantitative characterization of the birth canal and critical structures before delivery may provide risk assessment for maternal birth injury. The objective of this study was to explore imaging capability of an antepartum tactile imaging (ATI) probe. METHODS: Twenty randomly selected women older than 21 years with completed 35th week of pregnancy and a premise of vaginal delivery were enrolled in the feasibility study. The biomechanical data were acquired using the ATI probe with a double-curved surface, shaped according to the fetal skull and equipped with 168 tactile sensors and an electromagnetic motion tracking sensor. Software package COMSOL Multiphysics was used for finite element modeling. Subjects were asked for assessment of pain and comfort levels experienced during the ATI examination. RESULTS: All 20 nulliparous women were successfully examined with the ATI. Mean age was 27.8 ± 4.1 years, BMI 30.7 ± 5.8, and week of pregnancy 38.8 ± 1.4. Biomechanical mapping with the ATI allowed real-time observation of the probe location, applied load to the vaginal walls, and a 3D tactile image composition. The nonlinear finite element model describing the stress-strain relationship of the pelvic tissue was developed and used for calculation of Young's modulus (E). Average perineal elastic modulus was 11.1 ± 4.3 kPa, levator ani 4.8 ± 2.4 kPa, and symphysis-perineum distance was 30.1 ± 6.9 mm. The pain assessment level for the ATI examination was 2.1 ± 0.8 (scale 1-4); the comfort level was 2.05 ± 0.69 (scale 1-3). CONCLUSIONS: The antepartum examination with the ATI probe allowed measurement of the tissue elasticity and anatomical distances. The pain level was low and the comfort level was comparable with manual palpation.

Characterization of Perineum Elasticity and Pubic Bone-Perineal Critical Distance with a Novel Tactile Probe: Results of an Intraobserver Reproducibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Tactile imaging provides biomechanical mapping of soft tissues. Objective biomechanical and anatomical assessment of critical structures within the vagina and pelvis may allow development and validation of a clinical tool that could assist with clinical decisions regarding obstetrical procedures and mode of delivery. Objective: To assess intraobserver reproducibility of measurements of perineal elasticity and pubic bone-perineal critical distance with a novel tactile probe in pregnant women. METHODS: An Antepartum Tactile Imager (ATI) was designed with a vaginal probe resembling a fetal skull. The probe comprises 128 tactile sensors on a double curved surface and measures 46 mm in width and 72 mm in length. The probe has a motion tracking sensor that allows acquisition of 3D tactile images. There were two arms of the study. In the first arm, biomechanical mapping of the perineum and pelvic bone location was performed in 10 non-pregnant women for purposes of demonstrating safety and feasibility. In the second arm, biomechanical mapping was performed in 10 pregnant women to explore intraobserver reproducibility. Each subject had two standardized examinations over 3 - 5 minutes by the same observer. Examination comfort and pain levels were assessed by post-procedure survey. Reproducibility was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals and Bland-Altman plots. Bias and the 95% limits of agreement were also calculated. RESULTS: The safety and feasibility arm of the study demonstrated high degree of safety and tolerability and reliable acquisition of tactile signals. In the reproducibility arm, 10 pregnant women were recruited at mean gestational age of 34.2 ± 6.5 weeks. The mean perineum elasticity (Young's modulus, E) was 9.8 ± 5.9 kPa, and the mean pubic bone-perineal critical distance (D) at 20 kPa load was 34.6 ± 6.2 mm. The ICC was 0.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91, 0.99] and 0.82 [CI 0.44, 0.95] for E and D respectively, consistent with excellent intrarater agreement. The bias and the 95% limits of agreement of E were -6.3% and -29.4% to +16.7%, respectively. The bias and the 95% limits of agreement of D were -2.6% and -25.3% to +20.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The tactile imaging data obtained in the study reproducibly characterized perineal elasticity and pubic bone-perineal critical distance. Further evaluation of this tool in clinical settings is warranted.

Development of Tactile Imaging for Underwater Structural Damage Detection.

Underwater structural damage inspection has mainly relied on diver-based visual inspection, and emerging technologies include the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for improved efficiency. With the goal of performing an autonomous and robotic underwater inspection, a novel Tactile Imaging System for Underwater Inspection (TISUE) is designed, prototyped, and tested in this paper. The system has two major components, including the imaging subsystem and the manipulation subsystem. The novelty lies in the imaging subsystem, which consists of an elastomer-enabled contact-based optical sensor with specifically designed artificial lighting. The completed TISUE system, including optical imaging, data storage, display analytics, and a mechanical support subsystem, is further tested in a laboratory experiment. The experiment demonstrates that high-resolution and high-quality images of structural surface damage can be obtained using tactile 'touch-and-sense' imaging, even in a turbid water environment. A deep learning-based damage detection framework is developed and trained. The detection results demonstrate the similar detectability of five damage types in the obtained tactile images to images obtained from regular (land-based) structural inspection.

Biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor: changes with age, parity and weight.

Quantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into the pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse (POP). An innovative approach - vaginal tactile imaging - allows biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The objective of this study is to explore an extended set of 52 biomechanical parameters to characterize pelvic floor changes with age, parity, and subject weight for normal pelvic floor conditions. 42 subjects with normal pelvic conditions (no POP, no stress urinary incontinence) were included in the data analysis from an observational, case-controlled study. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) was used with an analytical software package to automatically calculate 52 biomechanical parameters for 8 VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Val-salva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in 2 planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction). The ranges, mean values, and standard deviations for all 52 VTI parameters were established. 12 VTI parameters were identified as statistically sen-sitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the subject age; 9 parameters were identified as statistically sensitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the subject parity; no sensitivity was found to subject weight. Among the 12 parameters sensitive to women's age, 6 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity and 6 parameters show weakness in pelvic muscle functions with age. Among the 9 parameters sensitive to parity, 5 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity and 4 parameters show weakness in pelvic muscle functions after giving birth. The biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor with the VTI provides a unique set of parameters characterizing pelvic changes with age and parity. These objectively measurable biomechanical transformations of pelvic tissues, support structures, and functions may be used in future research and practical applications.

Optical palpation for the visualization of tumor in human breast tissue.

Accurate and effective removal of tumor in one operation is an important goal of breast-conserving surgery. However, it is not always achieved. Surgeons often utilize manual palpation to assess the surgical margin and/or the breast cavity. Manual palpation, however, is subjective and has relatively low resolution. Here, we investigate a tactile imaging technique, optical palpation, for the visualization of tumor. Optical palpation generates maps of the stress at the surface of tissue under static preload compression. Stress is evaluated by measuring the deformation of a contacting thin compliant layer with known mechanical properties using optical coherence tomography. In this study, optical palpation is performed on 34 freshly excised human breast specimens. Wide field-of-view (up to ~46 × 46 mm) stress images, optical palpograms, are presented from four representative specimens, demonstrating the capability of optical palpation to visualize tumor. Median stress reported for adipose tissue, 4 kPa, and benign dense tissue, 8 kPa, is significantly lower than for invasive tumor, 60 kPa. In addition, we demonstrate that optical palpation provides contrast consistent with a related optical technique, quantitative micro-elastography. This study demonstrates that optical palpation holds promise for visualization of tumor in breast-conserving surgery.

Biomechanical Mapping of the Female Pelvic Floor: Prolapse versus Normal Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). An innovative approach-vaginal tactile imaging-allows biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records high definition pressure patterns from vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions. OBJECTIVE: To explore an extended set of 52 biomechanical parameters for differentiation and characterization of POP relative to normal pelvic floor conditions. METHODS: 96 subjects with normal and POP conditions were included in the data analysis from multi-site observational, case-controlled studies; 42 subjects had normal pelvic floor conditions and 54 subjects had POP. The VTI, model 2S, was used with an analytical software package to calculate automatically 52 biomechanical parameters for 8 VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in 2 planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction). The groups were equalized for subject age and parity. RESULTS: The ranges, mean values, and standard deviations for all 52 VTI parameters were established. 33 of 52 parameters were identified as statistically sensitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the POP development. Among these 33 parameters, 11 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity, 8 parameters show deteriorations in pelvic support and 14 parameters show weakness in muscle functions for POP versus normal conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor with the VTI provides a unique set of parameters characterizing POP versus normal conditions. These objectively measurable biomechanical transformations of pelvic tissues, support structures, and functions under POP may be used in future research and practical applications.

Biomechanical Mapping of the Female Pelvic Floor: Uterine Prolapse Versus Normal Conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Quantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Vaginal tactile imaging is an innovative approach to the biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records high definition pressure patterns through the vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore an extended set of 52 biomechanical parameters of the female pelvis for the differentiation and characterization of uterine prolapse relative to normal pelvic floor conditions. METHODS: Sixty subjects were included in the data analysis from observational and case-controlled studies. Out of these 60, forty-two subjects had normal pelvic floor conditions and 18 subjects had uterine prolapse (no anterior, no posterior prolapse). The VTI, model 2S, was used with an analytical software package to automatically calculate 52 biomechanical parameters for 8 VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in 2 planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction). RESULTS: The ranges, mean values, and standard deviations for all 52 VTI parameters were established. Twenty-two of 52 parameters were identified as statistically sensitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the development of uterine prolapse. Among these 21 parameters, 6 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity, 5 parameters show deteriorations in pelvic support, and 10 parameters show weakness in muscle functions for uterine prolapsed versus normal conditions. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor with the VTI provides a unique set of parameters characterizing uterine prolapse versus normal conditions. These objectively measurable biomechanical transformations of pelvic tissues, support structures, and functions under the prolapse conditions may be useful in future research and practical applications.

Quantitative Assessment and Interpretation of Vaginal Conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Few means exist to provide quantitative and reproducible assessment of vaginal conditions from biomechanical and functional standpoints. AIM: To develop a new approach for quantitative biomechanical characterization of the vagina. METHODS: Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) allows biomechanical assessment of soft tissue and function along the entire length of the anterior, posterior, and lateral vaginal walls. This can be done at rest, with applied vaginal deformation, and with pelvic muscle contraction. RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 42 subjects with normal pelvic floor support from an observational case-controlled clinical study. The average age was 52 years (range = 26-90 years). We introduced 8 VTI parameters to characterize vaginal conditions: (i) maximum resistance force to insertion (newtons), (ii) insertion work (millijoules), (iii) maximum stress-to-strain ratio (elasticity; kilopascals per millimeter), (iv) maximum pressure at rest (kilopascals), (v) anterior-posterior force at rest (newtons), (vi) left-right force at rest (newtons), (vii) maximum pressure at muscle contraction (kilopascals), and (viii) muscle contraction force (newtons). We observed low to moderate correlation of these parameters with subject age and no correlation with subject weight. 6 of 8 parameters demonstrated a P value less than .05 for 2 subject subsamples divided by age (≤52 vs >52 years), which means 6 VTI parameters change with age. CONCLUSIONS: VTI allows biomechanical and functional characterization of the vaginal conditions that can be used for (i) understanding "normal" vaginal conditions, (ii) quantification of the deviation from normality, (iii) personalized treatment (radiofrequency, laser, or plastic surgery), and (iv) assessment of the applied treatment outcome. Egorov V, Murphy M, Lucente V, et al. Quantitative Assessment and Interpretation of Vaginal Conditions. Sex Med 2018;6:39-48.

Biomechanical paradigm and interpretation of female pelvic floor conditions before a treatment.

BACKGROUND: Further progress in restoring a woman's health may be possible if a patient with a damaged pelvic floor could undergo medical imaging and biomechanical diagnostic tests. The results of such tests could contribute to the analysis of multiple treatment options and suggest the optimal one for that patient. AIM: To develop a new approach for the biomechanical characterization of vaginal conditions, muscles, and connective tissues in the female pelvic floor. METHODS: Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) allows biomechanical assessment of the soft tissue along the entire length of the anterior, posterior, and lateral vaginal walls at rest, with manually applied deflection pressures and with muscle contraction, muscle relaxation, and Valsalva maneuver. VTI allows a large body of measurements to evaluate individual variations in tissue elasticity, support defects, as well as pelvic muscle function. Presuming that 1) the female pelvic floor organs are suspended by ligaments against which muscles contract to open or close the outlets and 2) damaged ligaments weaken the support and may reduce the force of muscle contraction, we made an attempt to characterize multiple pelvic floor structures from VTI data. RESULTS: All of the 138 women enrolled in the study were successfully examined with the VTI. The study subjects have had normal pelvic support or pelvic organ prolapse (stages I-IV). The average age of this group of subjects was 60±15 years. We transposed a set of 31 VTI parameters into a quantitative characterization of pelvic muscles and ligamentous structures. Interpretation of the acquired VTI data for normal pelvic floor support and prolapse conditions is proposed based on biomechanical assessment of the functional anatomy. CONCLUSION: Vaginal tactile imaging allows biomechanical characterization of female pelvic floor structures and tissues in vivo, which may help to optimize treatment of the diseased conditions such as prolapse, incontinence, atrophy, and some forms of pelvic pain.

Computational optical palpation: a finite-element approach to micro-scale tactile imaging using a compliant sensor.

High-resolution tactile imaging, superior to the sense of touch, has potential for future biomedical applications such as robotic surgery. In this paper, we propose a tactile imaging method, termed computational optical palpation, based on measuring the change in thickness of a thin, compliant layer with optical coherence tomography and calculating tactile stress using finite-element analysis. We demonstrate our method on test targets and on freshly excised human breast fibroadenoma, demonstrating a resolution of up to 15-25 µm and a field of view of up to 7 mm. Our method is open source and readily adaptable to other imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography and confocal microscopy.

Tactile Imaging Markers to Characterize Female Pelvic Floor Conditions.

The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records pressure patterns from vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions. The objective of this study is to validate tactile imaging and muscle contraction parameters (markers) sensitive to the female pelvic floor conditions. Twenty-two women with normal and prolapse conditions were examined by a vaginal tactile imaging probe. We identified 9 parameters which were sensitive to prolapse conditions (p < 0.05 for one-way ANOVA and/or p < 0.05 for t-test with correlation factor r from -0.73 to -0.56). The list of parameters includes pressure, pressure gradient and dynamic pressure response during muscle contraction at identified locations. These parameters may be used for biomechanical characterization of female pelvic floor conditions to support an effective management of pelvic floor prolapse.

Mechanical Imaging - a Technology for 3-D Visualization and Characterization of Soft Tissue Abnormalities. A Review.

Mechanical Imaging (MI) is a branch of Elastography. MI differs from conventional ultrasonic and MR elastography in that it evaluates soft tissue mechanical structure using stress data rather than dynamic or static strain data. MI closely mimics manual palpation because the MI probe with a force sensor array attached to its tip acts as a palpating finger. MI is intrinsically a three-dimensional imaging modality because the surface stress patterns obtained at different levels of tissue compression are defined by three-dimensional mechanical structure of the tissue. This review presents the biomechanical basis of MI and its applications for breast cancer screening, and the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions, the visualization and evaluation of prostate conditions, and for the characterization of vaginal wall elasticity.