Innovative algorithms lead to new arena of breast ultrasound technology

The groundbreaking algorithms developed at TechniScan, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: TSNI) have led to a new arena of whole breast ultrasound technology, as presented at a national medical ultrasound conference in San Diego in March.

TechniScan cofounder and scientist-mathematician, James Wiskin, Ph.D. spoke at the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM) conference held at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina about the unique methods in which the company's 3-dimensional whole breast ultrasound captures anatomical images of the breast.

The breakthrough in imaging is a result of Wiskin's and colleagues David Borup, Ph.D., and Steven Johnson's, Ph.D. work in the mathematics of inverse scattering.  TechniScan's Warm Bath Ultrasound™ (WBU) system uses a unique combination of traditional B-mode (reflective) ultrasound and two types of transmission ultrasound – speed of sound and attenuation of sound, to produce three unique sets of images.

"This revolutionary new method of imaging produces information not available with traditional reflection ultrasound or whole breast ultrasound as it is presently being developed.  Uniquely, we can also capture 360 degree compounded coronal images," said Wiskin.

The goal of the new technology is to improve breast imaging and provide tissue characterization that will more accurately distinguish pathological from normal breast tissue. The images are captured in a comfortable, radiation-free method as a woman lies prone on an examination table and ultrasound is directed, using warm water as a coupling medium, into the patient's breast tissue.

"Our quantitative, high-resolution, speed of sound and attenuation estimates are unique to whole breast ultrasound and have the potential to deliver new diagnostic tools to radiologist. There are many possible applications for our technology and we are looking forward to collaborating with the medical community and breast research centers internationally," said Wiskin.

Wiskin is a co-inventor of the fundamental imaging algorithms used by TechniScan to produce whole breast ultrasound images. His research includes inverse scattering theory, image processing, and acoustic, electromagnetic, and elastic wave propagation. His dissertation at the University of Utah (mathematics) established new inverse scattering imaging methods. He currently holds a faculty position in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Utah.