Chapter 11 - Pelvic floor characterization with vaginal tactile ultrasound image fusion

Abstract

This chapter describes a tactile ultrasound image fusion. A novel imaging device with a vaginal tactile ultrasound probe was designed. The probe comprised high-definition pressure and ultrasound arrays for real-time visualization and recording of synchronized tactile and ultrasound images. Intravaginal tactile and ultrasound images were acquired for vaginal wall deformations at probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary contractions, involuntary relaxation, and reflex pelvic muscle contractions (cough). Biomechanical mapping includes tissue stress–strain imaging and functional imaging. Tactile (stress) and ultrasound (strain) images allow the creation of stress–strain (elasticity) maps for the tissues of interest in absolute scale. Functional images allow the identification of active pelvic structures and their biomechanical characterization (anatomical measurements, contractive mobility, and strength). This approach provides unique data for biomechanical characterization of the female pelvic floor.