Research is at the core of our technology advancements

Our extensive preclinical and pilot clinical work, over several years, has enabled us to model successful pivotal trials of the scanner. Our published research and ongoing clinical trials are part of our company culture and continue to validate our technology and help us understand the significant implications for breast health assessment.

Scientific Papers

The QT Imaging team includes medical doctors, engineers, and scientists. This esteemed group of professionals has authored and published many important papers on transmission ultrasound in the field.

Wiskin J, Malik B, Ruoff C, Pirshaffiey N, Klock J., “Whole body imaging using low frequency transmission ultrasound”, Academic Radiology . 2023. Academic Radiology

J. Wiskin, B. Malik, and J. Klock, “Low frequency 3D transmission ultrasound tomography: technical details and clinical implications”, Zeitschrift für Medizinische Physik . June 7, 2023. ScienceDirect

J. Wiskin, “Full Wave Inversion and Inverse Scattering in Ultrasound Tomography/Volography”, Quantitative Ultrasound in Soft Tissues , pp. 201-237, J. Mamou and M. L. Oelze, Eds., ed Cham: Springer International Publishing. 2023. Full Wave Inversion and Inverse Scattering in Ultrasound Tomography/Volography | SpringerLink

J. Klock, “Clinical Importance of 3D Volography in Breast Imaging”, Quantitative Ultrasound in Soft Tissues , pp. 239-249, J. Mamou and M. L. Oelze, Eds., ed Cham: Springer International Publishing. 2023. Clinical Importance of 3D Volography in Breast Imaging | SpringerLink

Bilal Malik PhD, Elaine Iuanow MD, John Klock MD, “An Exploratory Multi-reader, Multi-case Study Comparing Transmission Ultrasound to Mammography on Recall Rates and Detection Rates for Breast Cancer Lesions”, Academic Radiology . December 3, 2020. Read the Research Paper

James Wiskin, Bilal Malik, David Borup, Nasser Pirshafiey & John Klock, “Full wave 3D inverse scattering transmission ultrasound tomography in the presence of high contrast”, Nature Research - Scientific Reports . November 19, 2020. Read the Research Paper

“Orthopedic and myopathic imaging with 3D transmission ultrasound tomography: experimental verification, quantitative accuracy and clinical implications”, SPIE Medical Imaging 2020 Abstract . February 17, 2020. View Abstract

“Limited view reconstructions with 3D transmission ultrasound tomography: clinical implications and quantitative accuracy”, SPIE Medical Imaging 2020 Abstract . February 17, 2020. View Abstract

“Clustering-based quantitative breast density assessment using 3D transmission ultrasound”, SPIE Medical Imaging 2020 Abstract . February 16, 2020. View Abstract

“SPIE Medical Imaging 2020 Abstract”, Quantitative Breast Density (QBD) estimation with 3D transmission ultrasound and incomplete information . February 16, 2020. View Abstract

“Radiomics in Transmission Ultrasound Improve Differentiation between Benign and Malignant Breast Masses”, RSNA 2019 Abstract . December 3, 2019. View Abstract

“3D Printing of Whole Breast and Individual Breast Tissue Types based on Transmission Ultrasound”, RSNA 2019 Abstract . December 4, 2019. View Abstract

“Application of Machine Learning in the Calculation of Breast Density Using Transmission Ultrasound: A Comparison with Automated Mammographic Assessment”, RSNA 2019 Abstract . December 2, 2019. View Abstract

Rajni Natesan, James Wiskin, Sanghyeb Lee and Bilal H Malik, “Quantitative assessment of breast density: transmission ultrasound is comparable to mammography with tomosynthesis”, AACR . October 23, 2019. Click here to read the published research

Elevated breast density is among the strongest independent predictors of breast cancer. Breast density scores are critical inputs in models used to calculate a patient’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Today, the only FDA-cleared technology for assessing breast density uses mammography. An alternative modality for breast density quantification is 3D transmission ultrasound (TU). In this retrospective study, we compared automated breast density calculations derived from TU using Quantitative Breast Density (QBD) and mammography with tomosynthesis using VolparaDensity 3.1 for 225 breasts.

“Accuracy of Volumetric Measurements in the Breast: A Study of Comparing Ultrasound Tomography and Hand-Held Ultrasound”, RSNA 2018 Abstract . November 25, 2019. Click here to read the abstract

Bilal Malik, Rajni Natesan, Sanghyeb Lee, and James Wiskin, “AI-based Quantitative Breast Density Assessment Using Transmission Ultrasound”, IBDW2019 . June 16, 2019. Click here to view the presentation

A growing body of evidence indicates that breast density is one of the most important independent risk factors of breast cancer. Currently, mammography is the only FDA‐cleared means to evaluate breast density in a general screening population. We present 3D transmission ultrasound as a method to visualize and differentiate fibroglandular tissue within the breast and use a fully automated segmentation method machine learning‐based method to quantitatively assess the breast density. The results indicate that breast density as assessed by fully automated means using TU can be of significant clinical value and play an important role in breast cancer risk assessment.

James Wiskin, Bilal Malik, Rajni Natesan, Mark Lenox, “Quantitative Assessment of Breast Density Using Transmission Ultrasound Tomography”, Medical Physics . March 20, 2019. Click here to read the published research

Breast density is important in the evaluation of breast cancer risk. This work demonstrates that the QBD algorithm has promise as a viable method to accurately and consistently quantify breast density. Additional work is required to further define the utility of the QBD algorithm in a clinical setting.

Mark Lenox, John Klock, Cathy Ruoff, Nasser Pirshaifey, Robin Terry, Bilal Malik, and James Wiski, “3D inverse scattering in wholebody ultrasound applications (Conference Presentation)”, Proc. SPIE 10955, Medical Imaging 2019: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography, 1095511 . March 15, 2019. Click here to read the research paper

Bilal Malik, Austin Todd, Alyson Terry, Farzad Fereidouni, Rajni Natesan, John Klock, James Wiskin, Mark Lenox, Richard Levenson, “Radiologic-pathologic Validation of Transmission Ultrasound Tomography Using Microscopy with UV Surface Excitation”, SPIE . February 19, 2019. Click here to read the research paper

This study proves that full 3D transmission ultrasound has a remarkable ability in identification of breast anatomical structures. Multimodality comparison also shows that transmission ultrasound tomography can be useful in understanding breast anatomy and physiology.

James W. Wiskin, Bilal Malik, Rajni Natesan, Nasser Pirshafiey, John Klock, and Mark Leno, “3D full inverse scattering ultrasound tomography of the human knee (Conference Presentation)”, Proc. SPIE 10955, Medical Imaging 2019: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography, 109550K (15 March 2019) . February 17, 2019. Click here to download the research paper

In this study of full wave 3D ultrasound tomography of the knee, we found:
Even in the presence of bone, full 3D inverse scattering transmission ultrasound gives quantitative estimates of tissue characteristics
- Tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscle, fat
- Acoustic energy interacts with tissue at super-molecular level, giving tissue characteristics unavailable with other modalities
- Periosteum, cortical thickness
Even in presence of bone, fused transmission and reflection images
- Speckle free –refraction corrected/compounded over 360 degrees
- High resolution
- Consistent over time

John C. Klock, Mark W Lenox, Bilal H. Malik, Rajni Natesan, “Transmission Ultrasound Imaging Using 3D Inverse Scattering”, eBook: Emerging Trends in Ultrasound . June 30, 2018. Read the full article

Full 3D inverse scattering ultrasound tomography is a novel method unused by others in medical imaging. The technology has a unique mechanical architecture capable of acquiring speed of sound and reflection images in 3D. The image reconstruction is computationally challenging and involves solving complex equations using high-performance computing. Laboratory studies demonstrate that the technique has high resolution and high contrast-to-noise ratios in both speed and reflection images. Clinical studies show that this technology is capable of visualizing breast microanatomy and breast microcalcifications along with providing a method for tissue classification using biomarkers. Finally, the technology has improved performance for imaging dense breasts. Full 3D inverse scattering ultrasound tomography offers unparalleled imaging of the breast including microanatomic features of the breast.

Bilal H. Malik, PhD, John C. Klock, MD, “Breast Cyst Fluid Analysis Correlations with Speed of Sound Using Transmission Ultrasound”, Academic Radiology . March 27, 2018. Click here to read the research paper

The speed of sound of breast macrocysts, as observed using transmission ultrasound, correlated with the cytological features of intracystic cell clumps. On the basis of this work with speed as a classifier, we propose a spectrum of breast macrocysts from fluid-filled to highly cellular. Our results suggest high-speed cysts are mature macrocysts with high cell counts and many cellular clumps that correlate with cyst microanatomy as seen by transmission ultrasound.

Bilal Malik, Robin Terry, James Wiskin, Mark Lenox, “Quantitative transmission ultrasound tomography: Imaging and performance characteristics”, AAPM Medical Physics . March 29, 2018. Click here to read the research paper

Quantitative Transmission (QT) ultrasound has shown promise as a breast imaging modality. This study characterizes the performance of the latest generation of QT ultrasound scanners: QTScanner 2000. The results show an improvement in the imaging performance of the system in comparison to earlier ultrasound tomography systems, which are applicable to clinical applications of the system, such as breast imaging.

John C. Klock, Elaine Iuanow, Kathleen Smith, and Nancy A. Obuchowski, “Visual Grading Assessment of Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Compared to Digital X-ray Mammography and Hand-held Ultrasound in Identifying Ten Breast Anatomical Structures”, BAOJ Clinical Trials . August 8, 2017. Click here to read the research paper

We performed visual grading analysis studies comparing transmission ultrasound, digital x-ray mammography and hand-held ultrasound when visualizing ten normal breast anatomic structures. To compare the image quality of the three modalities, multiple readers scored the image quality of transmission ultrasound compared to the other two modalities using an ordinal rating scale. The study showed that transmission ultrasound can adequately see all the major anatomical features of the human breast, including ductal and glandular tissue detail, even in dense breasts.

Elaine Iuanow, Kathleen Smith, Nancy A. Obuchowski, Jennifer Bullen, John C. Glock, “Accuracy of Cyst vs. Solid Diagnosis in the Breast Using Quantitative Transmission (QT) Ultrasound”, Academic Radiology . May 23, 2017. Click here to read the research paper

This study shows the ability of QT ultrasound to determine whether a breast lesion is a cyst or a solid. QT ultrasound imaging was performed as adjunct to mammography. A total of fourteen readers evaluated the images. The results show that QT ultrasound provides an accurate assessment of a cyst versus a solid lesion in the breast.

James Wiskin, David Borup, Elaine Iuanow, John C. Klock, Mark Lenox, “3D Nonlinear Acoustic Inverse Scattering: Algorithm and Quantitative Results”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control . May 23, 2017. Click here to read the research paper

In this paper, we describe the technical details of our image reconstruction algorithm. We show that the 3D inversion algorithm provides a more detailed image when compared to 2D algorithms, which results in a clearer depiction of the breast anatomy and lesions.

Bilal Malik, John C. Klock, James Wiskin, and Mark Lenox, “Objective Breast Tissue Image Classification Using Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Tomography”, Scientific Reports . December 9, 2016. Click here to read the research paper

We show that QT ultrasound is essentially a multi-modality imaging system that can differentiate between different breast tissue types such as skin, fat, glands, ducts and connective tissue. This study is a first step towards a computer aided detection/diagnosis platform for QT ultrasound.

John C. Klock, Elaine Iuanow, Bilal Malik, Nancy A. Obuchowski, James Wiskin, and Mark Lenox, “Anatomy-Correlated Breast Imaging and Visual Grading Analysis Using Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound”, The International Journal of Biomedical Imaging . September 5, 2016. Click here to read the research paper

Breast imaging performed using QT ultrasound can delineate anatomical structures within the breast. For many breast features such as skin, connective tissue, blood vessels and ductal units, QT ultrasound shows significantly better image quality in comparison to mammography.

Mark Lenox, James Wiskin, Matthew A. Lewis, Stephen Darrouzet, David Borup, and Scott Hsieh, “Imaging Performance of Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound”, The International Journal of Biomedical Imaging . October 8, 2015. Click here to read the research paper

We provide a metrics to characterize transmission ultrasound. We then use this metrics to measure the imaging performance of QT ultrasound. We evaluated a prototype QT scanner for its ability to perform both speed of sound and reflection imaging.

J. F. Greenleaf, S. A. Johnson, S. L. Lee, G. T. Hermant, and E. H. Woo, “Algebraic Reconstruction of Spatial Distributions of Acoustic Absorption within Tissue from Their Two-Dimensional Acoustic Projections”, Acoustical Holography , Volume 5, P. S. Green, Ed., ed Boston, MA: Springer US. 1974.

Wiskin, J. W., “Modelling of Acetylcholine Release from Neurons and Parameter Estimation”, Lect. in Applied Math , Vol. 19, American Math. Soc.. 1980.

S. A. Johnson, F. Stenger, C. Wilcox, J. Ball, and M. J. Berggren, “Wave Equations and Inverse Solutions for Soft Tissue”, Acoustical Imaging , J. P. Powers, Ed., ed Boston, MA: Springer US, 1982.

S. A. Johnson and M. L. Tracy, “Inverse Scattering Solutions by a Sinc Basis, Multiple Source, Moment Method - Part I: Theory”, Ultrasonic Imaging , vol. 5, 1983.

S. A. Johnson, Y. Tae-Hoon, and R. Jung-Woong, “Inverse scattering solutions of scalar Helmholtz wave equation by a multiple source moment method.”, Electronics Letters 19(4) . 1983.

M. L. Tracy and S. A. Johnson, “Inverse scattering solutions by a sinc basis, multiple source, moment method — part II: Numerical evaluations”, Ultrasonic Imaging , vol. 5, pp. 376-392. October 1, 1983.

S. A. Johnson, Y. Zhou, M. K. Tracy, M. J. Berggren, and F. Stenger,, “Inverse scattering solutions by a sinc basis, multiple source, moment method — Part III: Fast algorithms”, Ultrasonic Imaging , vol. 6, pp. 103-116. 1984.

Johnson, S.A., D.T. Borup, Wiskin, J. W., R.S. Eidens and M.J. Berggren, ,, “Imaging Shear and Bulk Elastic parameters in Three-Dimensions by fullwave, Non-Pertubative Inverse Scattering Tomography with Examples from Large Grids, Limited View Angles and Real Data”, Acoustic Imaging 18 . 1989.

Wiskin, J. W., S.A. Johnson, D.T. Borup and M.J. Berggren, “Non-pertubative Modeling and Inversion of Elastic and Acoustic inhomogeneous Structures Imbedded within a Layered Half Space”, SEG 1989 Summer Workshop, Snowbird, UT, Aug. 13-17, 1989 .

Borup D. , S. Johnson, Wiskin, J. W. and M. Berggren, 1989, “Integral equation algorithms for imaging arbitrarily inhomogeneous distributions of elastic parameters imbedded in a homogeneous space”, SEG 1989 Summer Workshop, Snowbird, UT, Aug. 13-17, 1989 .

Seader, J.D., M. Kuno, W.J. Lin, Johnson, S. A. K. Unsworth and Wiskin, J., W., “Homotopy Continuation methods”, Computers and Chemical Engineering , Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 71-85. 1990.

Wiskin, J. W., “Geometric and Integral Equation Methods for Scattering in Layered Media”, Ph.D. Dissert., Dept. Math., University Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, MI . 1991.

Johnson, S. A., D. T. Borup, M J. Berggren, Wiskin, J. W., and R. S. Eidens, “Modeling of Inverse Scattering and Other Tomographic Algorithms in Conjunction with Wide Bandwidth Acoustic Transducer Arrays for Towed or Autonomous Sub-bottom Imaging Systems”, Proc. of Mastering the Oceans through Technology (Oceans 92), Newport. R.I. , pp. 294-299. October 26-29, 1992.

S. A. Johnson, D. T. Borup, M. J. Berggren, J. W. Wiskin, R. Eidens, “Modeling of Inverse Scattering and Other Tomographic Algorithms in Conjunction with Wide Bandwidth Acoustic Transducer Arrays for Towed or Autonomous Sub-bottom Imaging Systems”, IEEE Oceans 92. Conference , Vol 1, pp. 294-299. October 26-29, 1992.

S.A. Johnson, M.J. Berggren, D.T. Borup, J.W. Wiskin, R.S. Eidens, and H. Leng, “Comparison of Inverse Scattering and Other Tomographic Imaging Algorithms Using Simulated and Tank Data for Modeling Subbottom Imaging Systems”, IEEE Oceans '93 Conference, October 18- 21, 1993 , Vol. I, pp. 458-492. 1993.

J.W. Wiskin, S.A. Johnson, D.T. Borup, M. Berggren, R. Eidens, Y. Zhang., “Full Inverse Scattering vs. Born-Like Approximation for Imaging in a Stratified Ocean”, IEEE Oceans '93 Conference , Vol. III, pp. 450-455. October 18-21, 1993.

Wiskin, J. W., S. A. Johnson, D. Borup, M. Berggren, and R. Eidens, “Full Inverse Scattering vs. Born-like Approximation for Imaging in a Stratified Ocean”, Proc. of Engineering in Harmony with the Ocean (Oceans '93), Victoria, British Columbia . October 1993.

Johnson, S. A., D. T. Borup, M. J. Berggren, Wiskin, J. W., R. S. Eidens, 1993,, “Comparison of Inverse Scattering and Other Tomographic Imaging Algorithms using simulated and Tank Data for Modeling Sub-bottom Imaging Systems”, Proc. of Engineering in Harmony with the Ocean (Oceans '93), Victoria, British Columbia . October 1993.

Wiskin, J.W., D. T. Borup, and S. A. Johnson,, “Inverse Scattering from cylinders of arbitrary cross-section in Stratified Environments”, Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS) , p.195, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. July 24-28, 1995.

Borup, D. T., S. A. Johnson, and J. W. Wiskin, “FDTD and Integral Equation simulation of a Prototype Ultrasound Breast Scanner”, Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium, (PIERS) , p. 621, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. July 24-28, 1995.

R.S. Eidens, J.W. Wiskin, D.T. Borup, S.A. Johnson, and M.J. Berggren, “Experimental Verification of Acoustic Inverse Scattering Tomography — Simple Phantoms”, .

Wiskin, J.W., D. T. Borup, and S. A. Johnson, “Inverse Scattering from cylinders of arbitrary cross-section in Stratified Environments”, Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS) , p.195, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. July 24-28, 1995.

Steven A. Johnson, David T. Borup, James W. Wiskin, Michael J. Berggren, Michael S. Zhdanov, Kyle Bunch, and Richard Eidens, “Application of Inverse Scattering and Other Refraction Corrected methods to Environmental Imaging with Acoustic or Electromagnetic Energy”, Proceedings of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sponsored workshop at the National Environmental Supercomputing Center , pp 295-312. 1997.

Yuan, X. , J. W. Wiskin, D. T. Borup, M. Berggren, Rick Eidens, S. A. Johnson, “Formulation and Validation of Berenger's PML Absorbing Boundary for the FDTD simulation of Acoustic Scattering”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control , 44, 4. 1997.

Yuan, X., D. Borup D. T., Wiskin, J. W., Berggren, M., Johnson, S. A. and R. Eidens, “Simulation of acoustic wave propagation in dispersive media with relaxation losses by using FDTD methods with PML absorbing boundary condition”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control .

Steven A. Johnson, David T. Borup, James W. Wiskin, Michael J. Berggren, Michael S. Zhdanov, Kyle Bunch, and Richard Eidens, “Application of Inverse Scattering and Other Refraction Corrected methods to Environmental Imaging with Acoustic or Electromagnetic Energy”, Next Generation Environmental models and computational methods , Ed. George Delic, Mary F. Wheeler, Proceedings of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sponsored workshop at the National Environmental Supercomputing Center, S.I.A.M.. 1997.

Wiskin, J. W., Borup, D. T., Johnson, S. A., “Inverse Scattering from cylinders of arbitrary cross-section in stratified environments via Green's operator”, J. Acoust. Soc. America , 102 (2), Pt.1, August, pp. 853-864. 1997.

Yuan, X. ,Wiskin, J. W., D. T. Borup, M. Berggren, Rick Eidens, S. A. Johnson, “Formulation and Validation of Berenger's PML Absorbing Boundary for the FDTD simulation of Acoustic Scattering”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control , 44, 4. 1997.

Wiskin, J. W, “Fast and accurate 3D acoustic propagation and inversion in layered media environments”, Canadian Acoustical Association Annual meeting, London, Ontario, Canada, and published in special issue of Canadian Acoustics/Acoustique Canadienne , Vol. 26, no. 3, September 1998, proceedings, cahiers des actes. October 27-30, 1998.

J.W. Wiskin, D. Borup, S.A. Johnson, “Fast and Accurate Acoustic Propagation and Inversion in Layered Media Environments”, .

Steven A. Johnson, David T. Borup, James W. Wiskin, Michael Zhdanov, Edward Nichols and Ugo Conti, and Giuseppe Guarino, “Construction of CPT Hardware and Software for 3-D, EM Imaging of DNAPL by Quasi-Static Regime Methods”, 2nd Quadrennial Symposium on Three-Dimensional Electromagnetics (Symposium Honoring G Hohmann), Univ. of Utah . October 26-29, 1999.

S.A. Johnson, D.T. Borup, J.W. Wiskin, “Integrating Experimental Procedures with Algorithms for Practical Imaging by Full Wave, Nonlinear Inverse Scattering”, XXVIth General Assemble of International Union of Radio Science (U.S.R.I.). , Assembleé Générale de l'Union radio-scientifique internationale. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. August 13-21, 1999.

Wiskin, JW, Johnson, SA, Borup, DT., “Integrating Experimental Procedures with Algorithms for Practical Imaging by Full Wave, Non-Linear Inverse Scattering”, Invited Lecture (Presenting AU: J. Wiskin) , Assembleé Générale de l'Union radio-scientifique internationale, XXVIth General Assembly of the International Union of Radio Science (U.R.S.I.). August 13-21, 1999.

Yuan, X., D. Borup D. T., Wiskin, J. W., Berggren, M., Johnson, S. A. and R. Eidens, “Simulation of acoustic wave propagation in dispersive media with relaxation losses by using FDTD methods with PML absorbing boundary condition”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control , Vol 46, No. 1. January, 1999.

Wiskin, J.W., M. Zhdanov, D. T. Borup, S. A. Johnson, J. Riley, O. Portniaguine, “3-D EM Imaging in Quasi-Static regime, of Inhomogeneities in Ocean Sediment with Layered Green's Functions: Experiment and Theory”, Second International Symposium on Three-Dimensional Electromagnetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, U.S.A. . October 27-29, 1999.

Steven A. Johnson, David T. Borup, James W. Wiskin, Michael Zhdanov, O. Portniaguine, Edward Nichols, Ugo Conti and Giuseppe Guarino, “Construction of CPT Hardware and Software for 3-D, EM Imaging of DNAPL by Quasi-Static Regime Methods”, Second International Symposium on Three-Dimensional Electromagnetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, U.S.A. . October 27-29, 1999.

Johnson, S. A., D. T. Borup, J W. Wiskin, M. J. Berggren, T. Guillerm, and S C. Olsen, “Fast, non-perturbative, transmission inverse scattering, quantitative imaging with laboratory and simulated acoustic data”, Invited lecture at 139th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America . May 2000.

S.A. Johnson, D.T. Borup, J.W. Wiskin, M.J. Berggren, T. Guillerum,:and S.C. Olsen, “Fast, nonperturbative, transmission inverse scattering, quantitative imaging with laboratory and simualated acoustic data”, Acoustical Soc. of Amer., 139th Meeting , Weston Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, GA. May 31, 2000.

Wiskin, J. W,, Johnson, SA, Borup, DT., “Wave Propagation and Nonlinear Inversion in Layered or Moving Media - Fast Algorithms for High Contrasts”, Soc. Indust. Appl. Math. (SIAM) Annual Meeting, Proceedings, San Diego, California . July 9-13, 2001.

Johnson, SA, R. Hanover, DT Borup, JW Wiskin, M. Berggren, “Noninvasive Breast Tissue Characterization Using Ultrasound Speed and Attenuation: In Vivo Validation”, Acoustical Imaging 28 Symposium in San Diego, California . March 20-23, 2005.

Johnson, S., D. T. Borup, J. W. Wiskin, “Included section in Revision of ‘Image Reconstruction from Projections: The Fundamentals of Computerized Tomography’, Gabor T. Herman”, , Academic Press, New York. 2005.

Wiskin, JW, DT Borup, SA Johnson, M Berggren, T. Abbott, R. Hanover, “Full Wave Nonlinear Inverse Scattering: High Resolution Quantitative Breast Tissue Tomography”, , 28th Acoustical Imaging Symposium in San Diego, California. March 20- 23, 2005.

Johnson, SA, R. Hanover, DT Borup, JW Wiskin, M Berggren, M Kammeyer, Scott Olsen, Jeff Pattee, F. Setinsek, K. Stewart, B. Hanover, “Design and first Clinical Implementation of the Ultrasound CT™ System for Breast Imaging”, , 28th Acoustical Imaging Symposium in San Diego, California. March 20-23, 2005.

Wiskin, JW, Borup, DT, Johnson, SA, Berggren, M., Hanover, B., Setinsek, F., Hanover, R., “Acoustic Inverse Scattering in Breast Imaging”, 1st Annual Mountain West Biomedical Engineering Conference, Snowbird Cliff Lodge, Snowbird, Utah . September 16-17, 2005.

Steven A. Johnson, Robert Bell, Michael Berggren, David Borup, Barry Hanover, Rita Hanover, Martin Kammeyer, Scott Olsen, Jeffrey Pattee, David Robinson, Frank Setinsek, Kortlan Stewart, and James Wiskin, “Design And First Clinical Implementation Of An Ultrasound-Cttm System For Breast Imaging”, 28th International Acoustical Imaging Symposium, San Diego, CA, USA , Plenum/Kluwer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. March 20-23, 2005.

Steven A. Johnson, Thomas Abbott, Robert Bell, Michael Berggren, David Borup, David Robinson, James Wiskin, Scott Olsen and Barry Hanover, “Noninvasive Breast Tissue Characterization Using Ultrasound Attenuation: In Vivo Validation”, 28th International Acoustical Imaging Symposium, San Diego, CA, USA , Plenum/Kluwer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. March 20-23, 2005.

J Wiskin, D.T. Borup, S.A. Johnson, M. Berggren , T. Abbott, R. Hanover, “Full Wave, Non-Linear, Inverse Scattering: High Resolution Quantitative Breast Tissue Tomography”, 28th International Acoustical Imaging Symposium, San Diego, CA, USA , Plenum/Kluwer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. March 20-23, 2005.

Johnson, S.A., D.T Borup, J.W. Wiskin, M.J. Berggren, B. Hanover, F. Setinsek,, S.C. Olsen, K. Callahan, and staff, “From laboratory to clinical trials; an odyssey of ultrasound inverse scattering imaging for breast cancer diagnosis”, invited, 4th Joint meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the Acoustical Society of Japan , Special session on: BIOMEDICAL ULTRASOUND/BIORESPONSE TO VIBRATION: (BB), Acoustic tomography in tissue, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii. November 2006.

Wiskin, J., D. Borup, S. Johnson, M. Berggren, B. Hanover, S. Olsen, F. Setinsek, R. Hanover, and TSI staff, “Full wave nonlinear inverse scattering for transmission breast imaging”, 4th JOINT MEETING OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA AND THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 28 , Special session on: BIOMEDICAL ULTRASOUND/BIORESPONSE TO VIBRATION: (BB), Acoustic tomography in tissue. November 2006.

Andre, M.P. , C. Barker, N. Sekhon, L.K. Olson, D. Borup and J. Wiskin, “Recent experience with ultrasound computed tomography for breast imaging”, (invited), 32nd International Symposium on Ultrasonic Imaging and Tissue Characterization, May 16-18, Arlington, VA . 2007.

Wiskin, J. D. T. Borup, S.A. Johnson, M. Berggren, T. Abbott, R. Hanover, “Full-Wave, Non-linear, Inverse Scattering”, Acoustical Imaging , Vol. 28, p183-193, M. Andre, editor, Springer. 2007.

Johnson, S. T. Abbott, R. Bell, M Berggren, D. Borup, D. Robinson, J. Wiskin, S. Olsen, B. Hanover, “Non-Invasive Breast Tissue Characterization Using Ultrasound Speed and Attenuation”, Acoustical Imaging , Vol. 28, p147-154, M. Andre, editor, Springer. 2007.

Wiskin, J., D. Borup, S. A. Johnson, M. Berggren, F. Setinsek, B. Hanover, S. Olsen and K. Callahan, “Multi-frequency, fully nonlinear, acoustic inverse scattering: theory and breast tissue characterization”, 32nd International Symposium on Ultrasonic Imaging and Tissue Characterization , Arlington, VA.. May 16-18, 2007.

Callahan, K.S., J.W. Wiskin, D.T. Borup, B. Hanover, S.A. Johnson and Y.R. Parisky, “Representative patient case studies of speed of sound and attenuation of sound images from trans mission ultra sound imaging of the breast”, 32nd International Symposium on Ultrasonic Imaging and Tissue Characterization , Arlington, VA.. May 16-18, 2007.

Callahan, KS, DT Borup, SA Johnson, J Wiskin, Y Parisky, “Transmission breast ultrasound Imaging representative case studies of speed of sound and attenuation of sound computed tomographic Images”, 17th Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Conference, Las Vegas, NV. , Am Journ Clin Oncology. March 2007.

Steven A. Johnson, Thomas Abbott, Robert Bell, Michael Berggren, David Borup, David Robinson, James Wiskin, Scott Olsen and Barry Hanover, “Noninvasive Breast Tissue Characterization Using Ultrasound Speed And Attenuation: In Vivo Validation”, Acoustic Imaging (Text) , Springer Verlag. 2007.

Andre, M.P., C. Barker, N. Sekhon, L.K. Olson, D. Borup and J. Wiskin, “Recent experience with ultrasound computed tomography for breast imaging, (invited)”, 32nd International Symposium on Ultrasonic Imaging and Tissue Characterization , Arlington, VA.. May 16-18, 2007.

Wiskin, J. D Borup, M Andre, S Johnson, B Hanover, K Callahan, F Setinsek, C Barker, S Olsen, M Berggren, “Performance of an Automated Whole-Breast Ultrasound Imaging System Employing Full-Wave 3D Inverse-Scattering”, RSNA 2008 . November 6, 2008.

Wiskin, J., “3-D Imaging Molecular Diagnostics: Inverse Scattering Algorithms”, Invited talk at the AACC sponsored 40th Annual Oak Ridge Conference - Breakthrough Technologies for Clinical Diagnostics , The Fairmont, San José, CA., American Assoc. of Clinical Chemists, San Jose California. April 17-18, 2008.

M.P. Andre, C Barker, N Sekhon, J Wiskin, D Borup, K. Callahan, “Pre-clinical experience with full-wave inverse scattering for breast imaging: Sound speed sensitivity”, Acoustical Imaging , 29:73-80, Springer, Dordrecht. 2009.

Wiskin, J., D. Borup, S. Johnson, “Inverse Scattering, Theory”, Acoustical Imaging , 30, Monterey, Calif. 2009.

Wiskin, J., D. Borup, K. Callahan, Y. Parisky, J. Smith, M. Andre, S. Johnson, “Inverse Scattering, Results”, Acoustical Imaging , 30, Monterey, Calif.. 2009.

J. Wiskin; D. Borup; S. Johnson; M. Berggren; D. Robinson; J. Smith; J. Chen; Y. Parisky; John Klock, “Inverse scattering and refraction corrected reflection for breast cancer imaging”, , Jan D'hooge; Stephen A. McAleavey, Eds., Proc. SPIE, 7629. 2010.

Wiskin, JW, Borup, D., Johnson, SJ, Berggren, M., Smith, J. Callahan, K., “Quantitative Ultrasound Inverse Scattering and Tomographic Refraction Corrected B-Scan”, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) . March 27, 2010.

Borup, D., Wiskin, JW, Pelligretti, P., Brusaca, M., Hanover, B., Johnson, Berggren, Klock, J, “360 Degree Compounded, Refraction Corrected Reflection Images of Human Breast”, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) . March 26, 2010.

M.P. Andre, C Barker, N Sekhon, J Wiskin, D Borup, K. Callahan, “Pre-clinical experience with full-wave inverse scattering for breast imaging: Sound speed sensitivity”, Acoustical Imaging , 29:73-80, Springer, Dordrecht. 2009.

J. Wiskin; D. Borup; S. Johnson; M. Berggren; D. Robinson; J. Smith; J. Chen; Y. Parisky; John Klock, “Inverse scattering and refraction corrected reflection for breast cancer imaging”, , Jan D'hooge; Stephen A. McAleavey, Eds., Proc. SPIE, 7629. 2010.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, K. Callahan, Y. Parisky, J. Smith, M. André, S. Johnson, “Inverse scattering Results”, Acoustical Imaging , 30, pp. 61-68, Springer, Dordrecht. 2011.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, “Inverse scattering: Theory”, Acoustical Imaging , 30, pp. 53-59, Springer, Dordrecht. 2011.

2. Pellegretti, P, S Dellepiane, M. Vicari, M. Zani, M. Weigel, D. Borup, J. Wiskin, U. Saueressig, E. Kotter, and M. Langer, “A Clinical Experience of a Prototype Automated Breast Ultrasound System Combining Transmission and Reflection 3D Imaging”, UFFC 2011-IEEE International Ultasonics Symposium , Session P3Ab, b Tomography. October 18-21, 2011.

Wiskin, JW, D Borup, M Andre, H Ojeda-Fournier, L Olson, D Robinson, S Johnson, “Quantitative Imaging via Inverse Scattering”, AAPM-COMP 2011 , Ultrasound Scientific Session: Quantitative Imaging: TU-A-220-1, Moderators: J. Fowlkes M. Kolios.

Wiskin, JW, D Borup, M Andre, L Olson, H Ojeda-Fournier, D Robinson, S Johnson, “3D Inverse Scattering and Refraction Corrected Reflection”, AAPM-COMP 2011 , Ultrasound Imaging Symposium - Advanced Clinical Systems Session TU-B-220-4.

Andre, M. PhD, James Wiskin, PhD, Haydee Ojeda-Fournier, MD, Linda Olson, MD, David Borup, PhD, Melissa Ledgerwood, B.S., Steven Johnson, PhD, “Quantitative 3D Whole Breast Imaging with Transmission and Reflection Ultrasound”, AAPM Ultrasound Imaging Symposium Breast Imaging and Guidance of Interventions .

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, “Inverse scattering: Theory”, Acoustical Imaging , 30 53-59, Springer, Dordrecht. 2011.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, K. Callahan, Y. Parisky, J. Smith, M. André, S. Johnson, “Inverse scattering Results”, Acoustical Imaging , 30, pp. 61-68, Springer, Dordrecht. 2011.

Vicari M, Saueressig U., Wiskin, J. Pellegretti, P., Zani, M., Ivanovas, V., Windfuhr-Blum, M., Kroschel, J., Kotter E., and Langer, M., “Automated Breast Ultrasound: MRI and Ultrasound CT Imaging Similarities”, , 19th Annual Meeting: International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Palais des congres de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 2011.

Andre, M, J. Wiskin et al., “Quantitative 3-Dimensional Whole-Breast Imaging With Transmission and Reflection Ultrasound”, AIUM Annual Convention, New York , Advanced Breast Imaging Symposium, Moderators: M. Andre and P. Carson, Ph.D.. 2011.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, K. Callahan, Y. Parisky, J. Smith, M. André, S. Johnson, “Inverse scattering Results”, Acoustical Imaging , 30, pp. 61-68, Springer, Dordrecht. 2011.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, “Inverse scattering: Theory”, Acoustical Imaging , 30, pp. 53-59, Springer, Dordrecht. 2011.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, M. Berggren, “Non-linear inverse scattering: High resolution quantitative breast tissue tomography”, , J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131, 3802. 2012.

M André, J Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, H Ojeda-Fournier and L Olson, “Quantitative Volumetric Breast Imaging with 3D Inverse Scatter Computed Tomography, Proceedings”, , Eng. Med. Biol. Soc. Conf., EMBC 12, San Diego, California. August 28 - September 1, 2012.

M André, J Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, H Ojeda-Fournier and L Olson, “Quantitative Volumetric Breast Imaging with 3D Inverse Scatter Computed Tomography, Proceedings”, , Eng. Med. Biol. Soc. Conf., EMBC 12, San Diego, California. August 28 - September 1, 2012.

M André, J Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, H Ojeda-Fournier and L Olson, “Quantitative Volumetric Breast Imaging with 3D Inverse Scatter Computed Tomography, Proceedings”, , Eng. Med. Biol. Soc. Conf., EMBC 12, San Diego, California. August 28 - September 1, 2012.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, S. Johnson, M. Berggren, “Non-linear inverse scattering: High resolution quantitative breast tissue tomography”, J. Acoust. Soc. Amm , 131, 3802. 2012.

J. Wiskin, D. Borup, E. Iuanow, M. Lenox, J. Klock, “QTUS - Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Volumetric Reflection Tomography”, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America . 2014.

Qun (Maxine) Liu, Jim Hardwick, Dave Borup, Ph.D., Jim Wiskin, Ph.D., “GPU Accelerated Transmission Image Reconstruction for 3D Quantitative Ultrasound Breast Imaging”, Nvidia Conference . 2014.

Mark W. Lenox, James Wiskin, Matthew A. Lewis, Stephen Darrouzet, David Borup, and Scott Hsieh, “Imaging Performance of Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound”, Journal of Biomedical Imaging , vol. 2015; Article ID 454028, Hindawi Publishing Corporation International.

John C. Klock, Elaine Iuanow, BilalMalik, Nancy A. Obuchowski, James Wiskin, and Mark Lenox, “Anatomy-Correlated Breast Imaging and Visual Grading Analysis Using Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound”, International Journal of Biomedical Imaging , Volume 2016, Article ID 7570406, 9 pages.

Malik, B. et al., “Objective breast tissue image classification using Quantitative Transmission ultrasound tomography”, Nature Sci. , Rep. 6, 38857. 2016.

Elaine Iuanow, MD, Kathleen Smith, MBA, Nancy A. Obuchowski PhD†, Jennifer Bullen MS† and John C. Klock, MD., “Accuracy of Cyst vs. Solid Diagnosis in the Breast Using Quantitative Transmission (QT) Ultrasound”, Academic Radiology 2017 Vol 24:1148-1153 , Epub 2017 May 23; PubMed ID 28549870. Academic Radiology has posted the study in full for free

John C Klock, Elaine Iuanow, Kathleen Smith, Nancy A and Obuchowski, “Visual Grading Assessment of Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Compared to Digital X-ray Mammography and Hand-held Ultrasound in Identifying Ten Breast Anatomical Structures”, BAOJ Clinical Trials , 3: 015. 2017.

J. W. Wiskin, D. T. Borup, E. Iuanow, J. Klock, and M. W. Lenox, “3-D Nonlinear Acoustic Inverse Scattering: Algorithm and Quantitative Results”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control . 2018.

Bilal Malik, Robin Terry, James Wiskin, Mark Lenox, “Quantitative transmission ultrasound tomography: Imaging and performance characteristics”, Medical Physics" . 2018. Click here to read the research pape

Bilal H. Malik, PhD, John C. Klock, MD, “Breast Cyst Fluid Analysis Correlations with Speed of Sound Using Transmission Ultrasound”, Academic Radiology" . 2018. Click here to read the research pape

Rajni Natesan, Bilal Malik, Lauralyn R. Markle, Vashita Dhir, Robin Terry, “Accuracy of Volumetric Measurements in the Breast: A Study of Comparing Ultrasound Tomography and Hand-Held Ultrasound.”, . 2018. Click here to read the abstract

Bilal Malik, Austin Todd, Alyson Terry, Farzad Fereidouni, Rajni Natesan, John Klock, James Wiskin, Mark Lenox, Richard Levenson, “Radiologic-pathologic Validation of Transmission Ultrasound Tomography Using Microscopy with UV Surface Excitation”, . March 2019. Study available here

James W. Wiskin, Bilal Malik, Rajni Natesan, Nasser Pirshafiey, John Klock, and Mark Lenox, “3D full inverse scattering ultrasound tomography of the human knee (Conference Presentation)”, Proc. SPIE 10955, Medical Imaging 2019: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography, 109550K . March 15, 2019. Study available for download here

Mark Lenox, John Klock, Cathy Ruoff, Nasser Pirshaifey, Robin Terry, Bilal Malik, and James Wiskin, “3D inverse scattering in wholebody ultrasound applications (Conference Presentation)”, Proc. SPIE 10955, Medical Imaging 2019: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography, 1095511 . March 15, 2019. Study available here

James Wiskin, Bilal Malik, Rajni Natesan, Mark Lenox, “Quantitative Assessment of Breast Density Using Transmission Ultrasound Tomography”, . March 20, 2019. Click here to read the published research

Bilal Malik, Rajni Natesan, Sanghyeb Lee, James Wiskin, “AI-based Quantitative Breast Density Assessment Using Transmission Ultrasound”, . June 16, 2019. Click here to view the presentation

Bilal Malik, Sanghyeb Lee, James Wiskin, Rajni Natesan, “Application of Machine Learning in the Calculation of Breast Density Using Transmission Ultrasound: A Comparison with Automated Mammographic Assessment”, . 2019. View Abstract

Bilal Malik, Nasser Pirshafiey, John C. Klock, Rajni Natesan, “3D Printing of Whole Breast and Individual Breast Tissue Types based on Transmission Ultrasound”, . 2019. View Abstract

Rajni Natesan, Sanghyeb Lee, Diane Navarro, Christopher Anaje, Bilal Malik, “Radiomics in Transmission Ultrasound Improve Differentiation between Benign and Malignant Breast Masses”, . 2019. View Abstract

James W. Wiskin, Rajni Natesan, Sam Lee, Bilal Malik, “Quantitative Breast Density (QBD) estimation with 3D transmission ultrasound and incomplete information”, . 2020. View Abstract

Bilal H. Malik, Sanghyeb Lee, Rajni Natesan, James W. Wiskin, “Clustering-based quantitative breast density assessment using 3D transmission ultrasound”, . 2020. View Abstract

James W. Wiskin, Bilal Malik, Mark Lenox, Nasser Pirshafiey, Rajni Natesan, John Klock, “Limited view reconstructions with 3D transmission ultrasound tomography: clinical implications and quantitative accuracy”, . 2020. View Abstract

James W. Wiskin, Bilal Malik, Veena Theendakara, Rajni Natesan, John Klock, “Orthopedic and myopathic imaging with 3D transmission ultrasound tomography: experimental verification, quantitative accuracy and clinical implications.”, . 2020. View Abstract

Clinical Trials

Thoughtful and robust clinical trials result in exceptional clinical care, and that’s the mission of the Marin Breast Health Trial Center. Our team there is studying the efficacy of the QTscan® through ongoing clinical trials. The scans are delivered in an environment designed around the comfort and peace of mind of the women who participate. The QTscan has been cleared by the FDA for use in breast imaging as an adjunct to mammography. At this time, it is not intended as a replacement for screening mammography.

Our current clinical trial program includes the following studies:

Study Comparing QT Breast Imaging vs. Conventional Breast Imaging to Confirm Our Results From Protocol 2013001

Enrollment status: Trial completed and results expected 2018

Clinicaltrials.gov

A prospective multi-center case collection study of breast imaging examinations from women with mammographically-detected lesion(s) to evaluate the non-inferiority of digital mammography and transmission ultrasound together compared to digital mammography and hand held ultrasound together in the evaluation of lesion(s) detected with diagnostic mammography.

Retrospective Study Comparing QT Breast Imaging vs. Conventional Breast Imaging - Results Published in Academic Radiology

Enrollment status: n/a

Results published in Academic Radiology.

The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of QT breast imaging vs. hand held ultrasound as an adjunct to digital mammography to aid in distinguishing a cyst versus a solid lesion in the breast using historical QT images.

Clinical Product Development Studying the QT Ultrasound® Breast Scanner With Volunteer Subjects

Enrollment status: This study is enrolling participants by invitation only.

Clinicaltrials.gov

NIH Grant

To evaluate the detection and characterization of breast findings of QT Ultrasound and comparing to hand held ultrasound and/or digital mammography (with and without tomosynthesis) and to fulfill NIH Grant RO1CA138536 from the National Cancer Institute.

Case Collection Study to Determine the Accuracy, Call Back and Cancer Detection Rates of QT Ultrasound in Breast Imaging

Enrollment status: Currently enrolling participants

Clinicaltrials.gov

A prospective multi-center case collection study of breast imaging examinations from women to evaluate the non-inferiority of QT Ultrasound compared to digital mammography-with tomosynthesis.

Study in the Evaluation of Doubling Time Rates in Non-Suspicious Breast Masses Using QT Ultrasound Technology

Enrollment status: Currently enrolling participants

Clinicatrials.gov

A prospective multi-center case collection study of breast imaging examinations from women with non-suspicious breast masses to correlate the calculated mass doubling time using Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound (QT Ultrasound) with mass histology.

We are not currently enrolling patients in clinical trials.