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Bioimpedance sensing for distinguishing tissue types in excised breast tissue
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Date
2024
Authors
Flynn, Eva
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
1 in 7 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis throughout the course of their lifetime. It is broadly understood that the prompt detection and diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial to enhance a patient’s quality of life, and to increase the possibility of recovery. The CLISTEPROBE project focuses on an emerging technique of breast disease diagnosis using bioimpedance sensing. Considering how time-consuming the current breast cancer detection pathway can be, as well as the expense and discomfort it can bring upon a patient, this research aims to fabricate a device that can provide a real-time, minimally invasive, point-of-care diagnosis of breast disease.
Currently, women must go through a triple assessment, before a breast cancer diagnosis can be made. This is a lengthy process which involves a physical examination by the doctor, followed by imaging of the breast by ultrasound and/or mammogram and finally, the biopsy procedure, which is required for a definitive diagnosis. The CLISTEPROBE
device will provide a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool for clinicians and offers patients a safer and more comfortable experience with quicker, more reliable results.
This project is carried out in conjunction with University College Cork (UCC), Tyndall National Institute (TNI) and Cork University Hospital (CUH) to develop a new medical device consisting of a bioimpedance sensor integrated onto a core biopsy needle. The objective of this research project is to establish that a difference in electrical impedance can be found between benign, cancerous and healthy tissue.
Between 75% and 80% of all breast biopsies turn out to be benign. The device will allow the clinician to differentiate benign tissue early in the diagnostic pathway, reducing unnecessary biopsies, saving time, money and minimising the risks of bleeding and infection. The clinical investigation includes ex-vivo testing of breast tissue in Cork University Hospital, and currently, over 50 breast tissue samples have
been obtained. This preliminary study aids in the proof-of-concept, highlighting the clear impedance separation that can be seen between tissue types. The aim is to develop an algorithm that provides radiologists with immediate tissue status based on bioimpedance measurements. Then, in the case of a healthy or benign result, they may decide not to take a biopsy.
The long-term aim for this project is the development of an in-vivo, handheld impedance sensor, to be used in adjunct with the current methods of breast cancer detection. This will potentially lead to less requirement of invasive biopsies, reduced stress and anxiety experienced by the patient and improve clinician decision-making and diagnosis. The CLISTEPROBE project represents a promising advancement in breast disease diagnostics, offering a safer, faster, and more reliable tool for clinicians and a more comfortable experience for patients.
Description
Keywords
Bioimpedance , Breast disease
Citation
Fylnn, E. 2024. Bioimpedance sensing for distinguishing tissue types in excised breast tissue. MRes Thesis, University College Cork.