Low-cost gynecologic ultrasound phantom with tissue-mimicking properties for hysterosalpingo contrast sonography.

Objective To evaluate the value of hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography in assessment the patency of fallopian tube after tubal interventional recanalization. Methods A total of 56 cases of fallopian tube recanalization were performed in Shanghai Putuo Hospital from January 2015 to September 2016. Seventy-eight fallopian tubes in 40 cases were treated with hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography and hysterosalpingography before recanalization. Totally 106 fallopian tubes in 56 cases were performed hysterosalpingography before and after recanalization. Seventy-eight fallopian tubes in 40 cases were evaluated with hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography before recanalization. The patency of the tubal was assessed by hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography 3 months after recanalization, and the re-occlusion rate was calculated. Chi square test was used to compare the results of hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography and hysterosalpingography before and after recanalization, and the patency of fallopian tube at just after operation and 3 months after recanalization. Results Before recanalization, the results of hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography showed 40 obstructed and 38 partially obstructed. The results of hysterosalpingography showed 44 obstructed and 34 partially obstructed. There was no significant difference between the results of hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography and hysterosalpingography. Before recanalization, 106 fallopian tubes in 56 cases showed 53 obstructed and 53 partially obstructed. After recanalization, 72 unobstructed, 34 partially obstructed, and no obstruction. However, 22 fallopian tubes were re-obstructed 3 months after recanalization, and the rate of re-occlusion was 20.7% (22/106). The re-occlusion rate of unobstructed fallopian tubes was 19.4% (14/73) and the re-occlusion rate of partially obstructed fallopian tubes was 23.5% (8/34). There was no statistically significant difference between them. Conclusions Re-obstruction may be present in some cases 3 months after tubal recanalization. Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography can provide an objective and effective basis for guiding pregnancy plan after tubal recanalization. Key words: Ultrasonography; Contrast media; Fallopian tube; Recanalization

Tissue-mimicking phantoms are valuable tools that aid in improving the equipment and training available to medical professionals. However, current phantoms possess limited utility due to their inability to precisely simulate multiple physical properties simultaneously, which is crucial for achieving a system understanding of dynamic human tissues. In this work, novel materials design and fabrication processes to produce various tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) for skin, adipose, muscle, and soft tissue at a human scale are developed. Target properties (Young's modulus, density, speed of sound, and acoustic attenuation) are first definedfor each TMM based on literature. Each TMM recipe is developed, associated mechanical and acoustic properties are characterized, and the TMMs are confirmed to have comparable mechanical and acoustic properties with the corresponding human tissues. Furthermore, a novel sacrificial core to fabricate a hollow, ellipsoid-shaped bladder phantom complete with inlet and outlet tubes, which allow liquids to flow through and expand this phantom, is adopted. This dynamic bladder phantom with realistic mechanical and acoustic properties to human tissues in combination with the developed skin, soft tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue TMMs, culminates in a human scale torso tank and electro-mechanical system that can be systematically utilized for characterizing various medical imaging devices.

This study uses standard synthetic methodologies to produce tissue-mimicking materials that match the morphology and emulate the in vivo murine and human cardiac mechanical and imaging characteristics, with dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and magnetic resonance imaging. In accordance with such aims, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) elastomeric materials were synthesized (at two different glycerol (G)–sebacic (S) acid molar ratios; the first was synthesized using a G:S molar ratio of 2:2, while the second from a 2:5 G:S molar ratio, resulting in PGS2:2 and PGS2:5 elastomers, respectively). Unlike the synthesized PGS2:2 elastomers, the PGS2:5 materials were characterized by an overall mechanical instability in their loading behavior under the three successive loading conditions tested. An oscillatory response in the mechanical properties of the synthesized elastomers was observed throughout the loading cycles, with measured increased storage modulus values at the first loading cycle, stabilizing to lower values at subsequent cycles. These elastomers were characterized at 4 °C and were found to have storage modulus values of 850 and 1430 kPa at the third loading cycle, respectively, in agreement with previously reported values of the rat and human myocardium. SEM of surface topology indicated minor degradation of synthesized materials at 10 and 20 d post-immersion in the PBS buffer solution, with a noted cluster formation on the PGS2:5 elastomers. AFM nanoindentation experiments were also conducted for the measurement of the Young modulus of the sample surface (no bulk contribution). Correspondingly, the PGS2:2 elastomer indicated significantly decreased surface Young's modulus values 20 d post-PBS immersion, compared to dry conditions (Young's modulus = 1160 ± 290 kPa (dry) and 200 ± 120 kPa (20 d)). In addition to the two-dimensional (2D) elastomers, an integrative platform for accurate construction of three-dimensional tissue-mimicking models of cardiac anatomy from 2D MR images using rapid prototyping manufacturing processes was developed. For synthesized elastomers, doping strategies with two different concentrations of the MRI contrast agent Dotarem allowed independent and concurrent control of the imaging characteristics (contrast and relaxivity) during the synthetic process for increased contrast agent absorption, with tremendous potential for non-destructive in vivo use and applications to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Sonohysterography and Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography.

Infertility is one of the common diseases in women of childbearing age. In China, The incidence of infertility in women of childbearing age is 7% to 10%. Infertility due to tubal diseases accounts for 30% to 50% in female infertility. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the tubal patency in the diagnosis of infertility. Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) is a technique for diagnosis of tubal patency by observing contrast agent flowing through the uterine cavity, fallopian tube lumen and pelvic cavity, which is monitored by ultrasound. HyCoSy which is safe, convenient and low cost is rapidly developed and becomes a new technique for diagnosing infertility due to tubal blockage in recent years. With the use of the new contrast agent, real time three-dimensional and four-dimensional ultrasound in HyCoSy, the diagnostic accuracy of HyCoSy in the diagnosis of tubal patency is improved in recent years. This research will focus on the research progress of HyCoSy in clinical diagnosis of infertility due to tubal blockage, especially the new contrast agent, three-dimensional and four-dimensional ultrasound in the diagnosis of infertility due to tubal blockage, in order to generalize the application of HyCoSy in infertility due to tubal blockage. Key words: Infertility, female; Fallopian tubes; Hysterosalpingography; Color Doppler ultrasound; Diagnosis; Tubal patency

Evaluation of tubal status is one of the initial steps in the diagnostic work-up of infertile women. Hysterosalpingo- contrast sonography (HyCoSy), currently performed as part of the infertility work-up to assess tubal patency by transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) 1 , is based on the introduction of fluid into the uterine cavity and Fallopian tubes. To evaluate the Fallopian tubes, a sonographic enhancing positive-contrast medium may be used. Air, albumin with micro air bubbles, and galactose with micro air bubbles have been studied. These positive- contrast agents outline the course of the Fallopian tubes, producingahyperechoicappearance.Themostsimpleand inexpensive positive-contrast medium is saline solution mixed with air. When this solution is shaken, it generates as uspension of air bubbles that is easily identif ied sonographically when injected into the uterine cavity and Fallopian tubes 2-4 with spillage around the ovaries. However, while two-dimensional (2D) TVS HyCoSy with saline solution mixed with air appears to be an accurate and inexpensive screening tool to assess tubal patency, it is highly observer-dependent and is accurate only in the hands of experienced investigators 2-5 . In addition,

Assessment of Cerebral Autoregulation with Transcranial Doppler Sonography in Poor Bone Windows Using Constant Infusion of an Ultrasound Contrast Agent

In this study, polyimide aerogels (PIAs) with solid contents of 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6% were fabricated using non-directional freezing and freeze-drying techniques. A comprehensive investigation was carried out on their microstructures, mechanical, thermal insulation, and acoustic properties. As the solid content increased, the density and linear shrinkage of PIAs rose, while porosity decreased from 97.62% (PIA-3%) to 94.54% (PIA-6%). Microstructural analysis showed that high-solid-content PIAs had smaller pore sizes and denser network structures. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests indicated excellent thermal stability with initial decomposition temperatures above 500 °C, with little influence from solid content. In terms of mechanical properties, the Young's modulus and specific Young's modulus of high-solid-content aerogels were notably enhanced, with PIA-6% reaching 5703 kPa. The thermal conductivity of PIAs increased with solid content, from 40.81 mW m−1 K−1 for PIA-3% to 48.63 mW m−1 K−1 for PIA-6%, due to increased skeleton density and reduced porosity. Regarding acoustic properties, low-solid-content aerogels had better sound absorption, e.g., a 2-cm PIA-3% sample had an average sound absorption coefficient of 0.602 and NRC of 0.393 in 250–6300 Hz, while for PIA-6%, they dropped to 0.416 and 0.311. Conversely, high-solid-content aerogels had superior sound insulation, with PIA-6% achieving an average STL of 30.38 dB compared to 11.94 dB for PIA-3%. Overall, the performance of PIAs can be tailored by adjusting the solid content, with low-solid-content materials suitable for sound absorption and high-solid-content ones for sound insulation and high-strength applications. This research offers new insights for developing high-performance acoustic materials and promotes the practical application of PIAs in aerospace, architectural acoustics, and traffic noise reduction.

In order to improve acoustic stealth performances at high-frequency of underwater objects, macroporous resin beads–elastomer coatings with 2 mm of thickness were introduced for high-frequency acoustic-absorption. Meanwhile, an acoustic model was theoretically built on the transfer matrix method to calculate and analyze the influences of the coating loss factor, density, Young's modulus and the frequency on underwater acoustic absorption properties. Simulation results showed that the acoustic absorption coefficient curves had a periodic change own to the steel plate resonance effect, meanwhile, the greater coating loss factor, the better acoustic absortpion properties; the greater coating density, the better effect of acoustic absorption at low frequencies, but at middle and high frequency. the larger Young's modulus of coating, the smaller the acoustic reflection coefficient and then the better the acoustic absorption performance.

Method for Developing Tissue-mimicking Ultrasound Imaging Phantoms of Organs using Polyvinyl Alcohol and 3-D Printed Moulds.

1405: Development of a Vessel Mimicking Material for Use in Anatomical Flow Phantoms

The building sector is a key element in reducing the effects of climate change. To operate sustainably and efficiently, solutions based on building materials having a low environmental impact, such as bio-based materials, are needed. In fact, they present high-level multi-functional properties and they capture atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, even if a number of works has examined visco-thermal dissipation effects, the understanding of the mechanical dissipation effects on the acoustic performances of bio-based materials is still incomplete and little data are available in the literature. Therefore, it seems particularly relevant to investigate by experimental characterizations and modelling methods the effects of mechanical dissipation on the acoustic properties of a representative variety of bio-based materials such as vegetal wools, vegetal aggregate stacks and vegetal concretes. To do this, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and structural damping were measured on the various typology of materials by a quasi-static analysis method. The non-linear elastic behaviour in compression of bio-based samples is analyzed. Finally, the influence of Young's modulus and structural damping on the acoustic absorption and attenuation properties of bio-based materials is described using modelling approaches.

During the entire development of an oil and gas field, it is necessary to carry out a complex of various studies aimed at identifying the parameters of the productive layer. One of such studies is the analysis of core material, as a result of which the following parameters of the rock are determined: porosity, permeability, Young's modulus and others. The listed characteristics must be taken into account when building a geological and hydrodynamic model of a field. In addition to these parameters, the strength properties of the rock should be determined, since they are necessary in the design of the wellbore. Such characteristics can be obtained by conducting research in specialized laboratories. This is not always possible due to various reasons. A number of studies confirm the fact of the relationship between the acoustic properties of a rock (the velocity of the longitudinal and transverse waves) and the strength characteristics. The acoustic properties of the rock must be taken into account when interpreting the acoustic logs of the wells, which allows to reveal the distribution of rocks along the wellbore. Based on the velocities of ultrasonic waves propagation, it is possible to calculate the elasticity dynamic modulus, which let assess the tendency of the rock skeleton to compaction as a result of the effective stress action. Therefore, the determination of the rock acoustic properties is necessary when planning the development of a field and its implementation. The results of laboratory studies aimed at establishing the relationship between the strength and acoustic properties of rocks are presented. During the experiment, the dynamic Young's modulus was also determined and its relationship with the speed of ultrasonic waves propagation was revealed. As a result of laboratory studies, empirical dependences of the ultimate strength in volumetric compression (σс), elasticity dynamic modulus (E ) and the velocity of transmission of longitudinal (vp) and transverse waves (vp) were obtained. An assessment of the obtained values was given over the entire measurement range.

To compare the efficiency of air-filled albumin microspheres (Infoson) with saline solution in determining Fallopian tube patency during hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy). This was a prospective randomized multicenter study with a sequential design. Over a 10-month period, 23 patients (mean age, 33 years) referred for infertility were examined by HyCoSy (saline or Infoson) before conventional hysterosalpingography (Iopamiron 370), performed during the same session. Contrast agents were administered through a 5-F Ackrad balloon catheter inserted transcervically into the uterine cavity. HyCoSy was performed with a 7-MHz transvaginal probe using both B-mode and color Doppler, and tubal patency was demonstrated by the appearance of contrast agent in the peritoneal cavity near the ovaries. Data were registered for each patient during the examination and the results were monitored by sequential analysis. Mean volumes of contrast injections were 35.3 mL of saline, 14.4 mL of Infoson, and 13.8 mL of Iopamiron 370. Infoson-enhanced HyCoSy provided a significantly larger (P = 0.006) number of correct diagnoses (20/22 Fallopian tubes) than did saline HyCoSy (12/24 Fallopian tubes), and the same number as that achieved by hysterosalpingography. A positive ultrasound contrast agent appears to be more efficient than saline solution at determining Fallopian tube patency in infertile women by means of HyCoSy, and as efficient as an iodinated contrast agent in the same population explored by HSG. HyCoSy could be used to screen infertile women, thereby avoiding the use of iodinated contrast medium and exposure to ionizing radiation during conventional HSG in patients with patent Fallopian tubes.

A Multilayered, Lesion-Embedded Ultrasound Breast Phantom with Realistic Visual and Haptic Feedback for Needle Biopsy.