Digital image-based elasto-tomography: Proof of concept studies for surface based mechanical property reconstruction

Abstract

Digital Image-based Elasto-Tomography (DIET) is a novel method of determining the distribution of elastic properties within the breast. Using an array of calibrated digital cameras and an inverse reconstruction algorithm, DIET allows reconstruction of the internal elastic stiffness distribution of the breast using only motions at the breast surface. This reconstructed stiffness should clearly show carcinoma based on their high elastic property contrast with healthy tissue. Proof of concept studies are presented for both the calibration of the digital imaging system and the inverse reconstruction algorithm. The reconstruction algorithm identified high stiffness tumors in the majority of test cases, even with the addition of random noise based on expected calibration accuracy.