UWB Microwave Imaging System with A Novel Calibration Approach For Breast Cancer Detection

Abstract

An apparatus and method for imaging a tissue. The method includes transmitting a first microwave frequency signal to and receiving a first total signal from the tissue at a first position. A second microwave frequency signal is transmitted to and a second total signal received from the tissue at a second position. The first total signal is calibrated with respect to the second total signal and an image is constructed from the calibrated signal.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of International PCT Application No. PCT / US2011 / 054952, filed Oct. 5, 2011, entitled “UWB MICROWAVE IMAGING SYSTEM WITH A NOVEL CALIBRATION APPROACH FOR BREAST CANCER DETECTION”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 389,863, filed Oct. 5, 2010, entitled “UWB MICROWAVE IMAGING SYSTEM WITH A NOVEL CALIBRATION APPROACH FOR BREAST CANCER DETECTION”, the disclosures of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to medical imaging modalities and, more particularly, to a microwave imaging system.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]Microwave imaging technology is attractive as an alternative solution for tumor detection, and particularly, for breast cancer detection. Microwave imaging technology is lower-cost and shorter operation time as compared to magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) and is less invasive than X-ray.[0004]Ho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention offers a new way to use microwave imaging to identify target tissue, such as tumors, by calibrating the signal before constructing an image. This method involves transmitting and receiving signals at different positions and calibrating them with each other. The invention also includes a medical imaging device with a tissue support and transducers for transmitting and receiving signals. The calibration process makes the resulting image more accurate and reliable.

Problems solved by technology

However, a problem associated with microwave imaging is the low contrast condition for the detection of a malignant tumor.

While this method has been useful in eliminating noise, the method is not practical for real clinical diagnosis since the reference signal is not generally available.

Contrast agents, such as golden nano-particles or carbon nano-tubes have been considered; however, some patients may not accept any agent injections.

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