Initial findings creating a temperature prediction model using vibroacoustic signals originating from tissue needle interactions

Abstract

Abstract This research explores the acquisition and analysis of vibroacoustic signals generated during tissue-tool interactions, using a conventional aspiration needle enhanced with a proximally mounted MEMS audio sensor, to extract temperature information. Minimally invasive temperature monitoring is critical in thermotherapy applications, but current methods often rely on additional sensors or simulations of typical tissue behavior. In this study, a commercially available needle was inserted into water-saturated foams with temperatures ranging from 25 to 55 °C, varied in 5° increments. Given that temperature affects the speed of sound, water’s heat capacity, and the mechanical properties of most tissues, it was hypothesized that the vibroacoustic signals recorded during needle insertion would carry temperature-dependent information. The acquired signals were segmented, processed, and analyzed using signal processing techniques and a deep learning algorithm. Results demonstrated that the audio signals contained distinct temperature-dependent features, enabling temperature prediction with a root mean squared error of approximately 3 °C. We present these initial laboratory findings, highlighting significant potential for refinement. This novel approach could pave the way for a real-time, minimally invasive method for thermal monitoring in medical applications.