超音波センサーの原理を利用した乳房検査補助ツールの開発

[Background] This research team would like to conduct this study based on the idea that the sensitivity of breast palpation can be improved by moving away from traditional breast palpation, which is simply performed by hand, and using auxiliary examination equipment based on ultrasonic sensor technology. In particular, our research team focused on the waveform of the ultrasound itself rather than the visual images obtained through the ultrasound device. In the existing breast ultrasound, the medical staff reads images created through ultrasound from multiple sensors to confirm the possibility of breast cancer, and this is read based on the medical staff's very subjective opinions. However, ultrasonic waveforms acquired through ultrasound can store information about the waveform as data and thus be implemented as objective values.

[Study design] Prospective, multi-institutional

[Study protocol]

① Preoperative ultrasound sensor-based diagnostic equipment was applied to 200 patients with breast mass among patients admitted to the breast surgery department, and prospectively obtained ultrasound echo signal data generated by the mass.

② For this purpose, the researcher uses equipment containing a single ultrasound sensor to manually scan the mass lesion area and no evidence disease area.

③ Diagnostic performance (judgment for presence or absence of a tumor) of diagnostic tool based on ultrasound sensor technology through an artificial intelligence algorithm designed based on ultrasound wavelength and frequency optimized for mass detection.

[Objectives]

1. Primary endpoint Sensitivity/specificity/predictive value/accuracy/positive & negative predictive of diagnostic performance
2. Secondary endpoint Artificial intelligence algorithm efficacy