# ADVANCED CLINICAL ULTRASONIC TISSUE CHARACTERIZATION

> **NIH NIH R01** · RIVERSIDE RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 1993 · $574,814

## Abstract

This collaborative program is conducted by Riverside Research Institute
(RRI) and the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
(CUCPS).  The goal of the program is to establish quantitative ultrasonic
means for objectively diagnosing and monitoring diseases of the liver,
pancreas and kidney.

The program applies computer processing to radio-frequency (rf) echo
signals from conventional ultrasonic scanners.  A number of acoustic
parameters are computed using spectrum analysis, with calibration
procedures to remove system artifacts.  As shown in our theoretical
analyses, these parameters sense microstructural features such as the size,
shape, concentration, and mechanical properties (density and
compressibility) of internal tissue scatterers, even those too small to be
resolved in ultrasonic images.  Disease-indexed data bases are established
using these parameters together with ancillary data, including biopsy
results.  Data-base studies are showing how this multi-parameter approach
can be used to diagnose focal and diffuse diseases in abdominal organs.

To refine these methods, we are including intraoperative as well as trans-
abdominal clinical scans.  We are also emphasizing the use of parameter
images and "staining" to indicate the spatial distribution of
characteristic parameter values.  New parameters are being included to
characterize tissue heterogeneity and to obtain absolute estimates of
tissue properties unaffected by attenuation in intervening tissue.  New
acoustic microscopy procedures are also being combined with analytic
investigations to provide insights that will help refine our
characterization procedures and interpretation strategies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3176526
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038400-13
- **Recipient organization:** RIVERSIDE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GP8DN2TLZKE5
- **Principal Investigator:** Ernest Joseph Feleppa
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $574,814
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-03-15 → 1996-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3176526

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3176526, ADVANCED CLINICAL ULTRASONIC TISSUE CHARACTERIZATION (5R01CA038400-13). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3176526. Licensed CC0.

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