Stiffness measurements on spherical surfaces of prostate models, using a resonance sensor

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in Europe and the United States. Piezoelectric resonance sensors can be used in medical research for measurements of stiffness of human tissue. Cancer tissue is usually stiffer and has different biomechanical properties compared to healthy tissue. The frequency shift observed when a piezoelectric resonance sensor comes into contact with a tissue surface has been suggested to correlate with the stiffness variations, e.g. due to cancer. An instrument has been developed, with which it is possible to scan flat and spherical objects and where the sensor can be tilted for different contact angles. Measurements performed in this study on spherical tissue models made of silicone, showed the importance of keeping the contact angle perpendicular to the surface of the sphere. The results are promising for future studies on prostate tissue to complete the evaluation of the instrument.