Microwave bone imaging: a preliminary scanning system for proof-of-concept

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Current bone imaging methods like X-rays use ionizing radiation.
• There is a need for non-ionizing, portable, and cost-effective bone imaging solutions.
• Microwave imaging offers potential for safe and accessible medical diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of a microwave-based scanning system for biomedical bone imaging.
• To develop and validate an automated system for enhanced accuracy and reduced acquisition time.
• To demonstrate the capability of reconstructing 3D bone images using microwave technology.

Main Methods:

• A fully automated scanner controlling two antipodal Vivaldi antennas operating in the 0.5-4 GHz range was developed.
• A multi-layer phantom simulating skin, fat, muscle, and bone tissues was used for proof-of-concept.
• A coupling medium was employed to enable antenna miniaturization and mitigate impedance mismatch.
• Accurate antenna positioning and synchronized data acquisition were crucial for image reconstruction.

Main Results:

• The system successfully minimized mechanical uncertainties and data acquisition time.
• A 3D image of tibia and fibula was reconstructed from the multi-layer phantom.
• The reconstruction was enabled by the dielectric contrast between bone and surrounding tissues.
• The proof-of-concept demonstrated the microwave imaging procedure's viability.

Conclusions:

• The developed microwave bone imaging technology is viable, offering a low-cost, portable, and non-ionizing alternative.
• The system simplifies image formation as no a-priori antenna characterization is required.
• This technology has the potential for widespread application in bone imaging without needing specialized personnel.