抄録
We propose here an 8-channel linear array system for imaging electrical and ultrasonic properties in human tissues. An array of piezoelectric ceramic transducers (PZTs) is used for ultrasound tissue imaging whereas the electrode in the PZTs is used for electrical impedance imaging. The capability of the system to detect a small volume with distinct electrical conductivity in tissue was evaluated using a tissue model system. The present electrical impedance imaging alone failed to accurately locate the small object with a different conductivity in the model system. However, when the reconstruction of electrical impedance was combined with ultrasonic determination of the position of the object of interest, our method successfully assessed the conductivity of the target object. Thus, synergetic use of ultrasound data in electrical impedance imaging significantly improves the accuracy of tissue impedance imaging.
