Initial Development of an Electronic Testis Rigidity Tester

Petros Mirilas,Odysseus Tsakiridis

doi:10.1100/tsw.2011.56

Petros Mirilas, Odysseus Tsakiridis

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2011.56

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Abstract

We aimed to develop our previously presented mechanical device, the Testis Rigidity Tester (TRT), into an electronic system (Electronic Testis Rigidity Tester, ETRT) by applying tactile imaging, which has been used successfully with other solid organs. A measuring device, located at the front end of the ETRT incorporates a tactile sensor comprising an array of microsensors. By application of a predetermined deformation of 2 mm, increased pressure alters linearly the resistance of each microsensor, producing changes of voltage. These signals were amplified, filtered, and digitized, and then processed by an electronic collector system, which presented them as a color-filled contour plot of the area of the testis coming into contact with the sensor. Testis models of different rigidity served for initial evaluation of ETRT; their evacuated central spaces contained different, increasing glue masses. An independent method of rigidity measurement, using an electric weight scale and a micrometer, showed that the more the glue injected, the greater the force needed for a 2-mm deformation. In a preliminary test, a single sensor connected to a multimeter showed similar force measurement for the same deformation in these phantoms. For each of the testis models compressed in the same manner, the ETRT system offered a map of pressures, represented by a color scale within the contour plot of the contact area with the sensor. ETRT found certain differences in rigidity between models that had escaped detection by a blind observer. ETRT is easy to use and provides a color-coded “insight“ of the testis internal structure. After experimental testing, it could be valuable in intraoperative evaluation of testes, so that the surgeon can decide about orchectomy or orcheopexy.

Highlights

Pathology may change the mechanical properties of tissues; an estimation of elasticity may reflect the internal structure of the tissue
With the aim of obtaining an easy-to-use device giving instant visual evaluation of testicular rigidity, we have developed a prototype electronic system (Electronic Testis Rigidity Tester, ETRT)
We aimed to provide a device for intraoperative evaluation of testicular elasticity for intraoperative use in cryptorchidism and torsion

Summary

Introduction

Pathology may change the mechanical properties of tissues; an estimation of elasticity (or in the opposite sense, stiffness or rigidity) may reflect the internal structure of the tissue. TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (2011) 11, 673–686 primary means of clinical examination to assess tissue mechanical properties. It is subjective, depending upon the examiner’s experience. It a qualitative method, which at best can be transformed into a semi-quantitative method by the use of a scoring system and, is not very useful in studies. To overcome this problem, research in the last 2 decades has focused on quantitative tissue assessment and disease diagnosis, and a separate branch, elasticity imaging, has emerged. Various modalities have been used to obtain measurements, e.g., ultrasound[1], MRI[2], or optical measurement[3], after mechanical disturbance of the tissue provoked by compression, indentation (by a rigid object, ultrasound, air or water jet, etc.), or suction vibration of acoustic stimuli[3]

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