A Clinical Prototype of the Digital Image Elasto Tomography Breast Cancer Screening System

Digital Image Elasto Tomography (DIET) is a non-invasive breast cancer screening modality that induces vibrations into a breast and images its surface motion with digital cameras. Disturbances seen in motion patterns are caused by areas of higher stiffness within the breast, potentially tumors. Limited in-vivo trials have been performed with a first prototype with promising results. To enable larger scale trials, a more compact and robust clinical prototype of the DIET system is required. This paper describes the considerations and development steps involved in the design process of the second DIET prototype, including ergonomics, functionality and cost. The outcome is a very portable and ergonomic device that is suitable for larger scale trials, even in remote locations. If trials prove successful, the DIET system offers great potential for low cost and accessible breast cancer screening, as an adjunct to existing modalities.