Three-dimensional mapping of deep tissue modulus by stretchable ultrasonic arrays

A method for evaluating a progression of biological tissue healing or pathology, comprising:

• acquiring a sequence of ultrasound volumetric image datasets of the biological tissue at two or more different times, at least one of the ultrasound volumetric image datasets being acquired while applying a strain to the biological tissue by compression;
• generating a time series of tissue property maps using the sequence of ultrasound volumetric image datasets;
• and
• evaluating temporal changes in the tissue property maps to characterize biological processes in the biological tissue.

A biological tissue monitoring system, comprising:

• an ultrasonic imaging device;
• a processor in operative communication with the ultrasonic imaging device, the processor being configured to:
• based on ultrasound measurement data received from the ultrasonic imaging device, generate a sequence of ultrasound volumetric image datasets of the biological tissue at two or more different times, at least one of the ultrasound volumetric image datasets being acquired while applying a strain to the biological tissue by compression;
• generate a time series of tissue property maps using the sequence of ultrasound volumetric image datasets;
• and
• evaluate, or cause to evaluate, temporal changes in the biological tissue property maps to characterize time-dependent mechanical properties of the biological tissue.