Real time mechanical imaging of the prostate

A device for real time mechanical imaging of the prostate comprising:

• a probe sized to fit within the rectum and having a head with tactile sensor connected by a shaft to a handle, said tactile sensor having a linear dimension exceeding an axial length of an average prostate in the range of about 25 mm to about 45 mm;
• an electronic unit receiving pressure response data and motion data from said tactile sensor;
• means for real time calculating pressure profiles which characterize cross-section of the prostate from said pressure response data and motion data;
• means for calculating mechanical images of the prostate from said pressure response data and motion data;
• a display coupled to said handle for displaying said pressure profiles and said mechanical images of the prostate and its inner structure;
• and
• a control wheel mounted on said handle, said control wheel operating to control said electronic unit.

A method for real time mechanical imaging tissues or glands comprising the steps of:

• applying a probe to said tissues or glands or adjacent to said tissues or glands;
• acquiring pressure response data and motion data from said tactile sensor during movement of said tactile sensor along predetermined trajectories;
• real time calculating and displaying of one or more pressure profiles which characterize a cross-section of said tissues or glands;
• real time calculating a pattern of pressure gradient responses from said pressure response data and motion data;
• real time synthesizing a mechanical image of said tissues or glands and its inner structure from said pressure gradient responses;
• and
• real time displaying of said one or more pressure profiles and said mechanical image during examination of said tissue or gland.

A system for real time mechanical imaging tissues or glands comprising the steps of:

• means for applying a probe to said tissues or glands or adjacent to said tissues or glands;
• means for acquiring pressure response data and motion data from said tactile sensor during movement of said tactile sensor along predetermined trajectories;
• means for real time calculating and displaying of one or more pressure profiles which characterize a cross-section of said tissues or glands;
• means for calculating a pattern of pressure gradient responses from said pressure response data and motion data;
• means for synthesizing a mechanical image of said tissues or glands and its inner structure from said pressure gradient responses;
• and
• means for displaying said one or more pressure profiles and said mechanical image during examination of said tissue or gland.