A Numerical Study of the Relationship Between Erectile Pressure and Shear Wave Speed of Corpus Cavernosa in Ultrasound Vibro-elastography

TL;DR

This study explores how erectile pressure influences shear wave speed in penile tissue using ultrasound vibro-elastography, revealing a positive correlation that could aid in diagnosing erectile dysfunction.

Contribution

It introduces a finite element model linking erectile pressure to shear wave speed, demonstrating the potential of UVE for ED assessment.

Findings

Positive correlation between shear wave speed and erectile pressure.

Non-linear relationship observed across vibration frequencies.

First report linking EP with shear wave speed in corpus cavernosa.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between erectile pressure (EP) and shear wave speed of the corpus cavernosa obtained via a specific ultrasound vibro-elastography (UVE) technique. This study builds upon our prior investigation, in which UVE was used to evaluate the viscoelastic properties of the corpus cavernosa in the flaccid and erect states. A two-dimensional poroviscoelastic finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate wave propagation in the penile tissue according to our experimental setup. Various levels of EP were applied to the corpus cavernosa, and the relationship between shear wave speed in the corpus cavernosa and EP was investigated. Results demonstrated non-linear, positive correlations between shear wave speeds in the corpus cavernosa and increasing EP at different vibration frequencies (100-200 Hz). These findings represent the first report of the impact of EP on shear wave speed and validates the use of UVE in the evaluation of men with erectile dysfunction. Further evaluations are warranted to determine the clinical utility of this instrument in the diagnosis and treatment of men with erectile dysfunction.