Device for palpation and mechanical imaging of the prostate

A prostate examination device comprising:

• a probe sized to fit within the rectum and having a head connected by a shaft to a handle;
• support means connected to said probe for providing a point of rest for said shaft during a prostate examination;
• a pressure sensor assembly coupled to said head for generating signals in response to forces imposed on said pressure sensor assembly as said pressure sensor assembly is pressed against and moved over the prostate;
• a positioning system coupled to said support means and probe for determining position data of said pressure sensor assembly during prostate examination;
• and
• an electronic unit for receiving said signals from said pressure sensor assembly and said position data from said positioning system, determining and displaying a structure of said prostate from said pressure sensor signals and said position data.

A prostate examination device comprising:

• a probe sized to fit within the rectum and having a head connected by a shaft to a handle;
• a pressure sensor assembly coupled to said head for generating signals in response to forces imposed on said pressure sensor assembly as said pressure sensor assembly is pressed against and moved over the prostate;
• a positioning system comprising a triaxial accelerometer;
• and
• an electronic unit for receiving said signals from said pressure sensor assembly and said position data from said positioning system and determining and displaying a structural image of said prostate from said pressure response signals and said position data.