Recently, Professor Zheng Yongping, Founding Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dean of the PolyU Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), and Founder and Chief Scientist of Inspire Technologies, was invited to participate in an interview and recording of the “Health Concern Group” column on HOY TV Channel 77, and shared the Liverscan Portable Liver Elastography Ultrasound Diagnostic System jointly developed by his team.
According to the results of the viral hepatitis thematic report (2020-22 Population Health Survey) published by the Hong Kong Department of Health, about 5.6% of the total population of Hong Kong, or about 410,000 people, suffer from chronic hepatitis B, and nearly 40% of patients are unaware of it [1]. If not diagnosed and treated in time, these patients will face the risk of cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Puncture biopsy is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing liver fibrosis, but as an invasive examination method, it is not easily accepted by patients.
In response to this issue, Professor Zheng introduced the Liverscan Portable Liver Elastography Ultrasound Diagnostic System to everyone in the program. The system not only demonstrates non-invasive, accurate, fast and efficient performance in the detection of liver fibrosis, but also won the “Silver Award” at the Geneva International Invention Exhibition in Switzerland and the “Product Innovation Project Champion Award” in the Hong Kong Business Innovation Project Selection hosted by the Shanghai Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
1. Achieve truly non-invasive testing
During the interview, Professor Zheng explained the principle of Liverscan’s non-invasive liver fibrosis detection: “The system uses ultrasonic technology to track the propagation path and speed of ultrasonic waves in the liver, and then evaluates the hardness and degree of fibrosis of the liver. Since only ultrasonic waves are used in the detection process without other invasive means, the human body is not easily injured, thus achieving truly non-invasive detection.”
2. Efficient and accurate
Speaking of how to ensure the accuracy of detection, Professor Zheng said: “Liverscan uses a variety of different methods. The first is to continuously monitor the ultrasound numbers during vibration to ensure that the detection site is liver tissue. The second method uses a variety of artificial intelligence algorithms to determine image quality and test accuracy. These two methods together ensure the accuracy of detection.
3. Applicable to multiple scenarios
Liverscan can not only provide reliable and accurate liver health diagnosis, but also greatly facilitate citizens and medical staff. “Liverscan is portable, allowing medical staff to measure patients from different angles. It is also applicable to various scenarios, and can be used for large-scale screening in communities, homes and other places, helping people to detect and prevent liver fibrosis early.” Professor Zheng said.
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China will continue to have the highest number of liver cancer cases and deaths in the world between 2019 and 2035[2], so active treatment and screening are crucial. This interview not only showcases cutting-edge solutions for non-invasive liver fibrosis detection, but also emphasizes the importance of early screening and detection in preventing cirrhosis and liver cancer. With its superior accuracy and high performance, Liverscan has brought technological breakthroughs in the field of liver disease diagnosis and monitoring. With the advancement of science and technology and the enhancement of public health awareness, through early screening and effective treatment, humans will be more powerful in fighting liver disease and safeguarding liver health.
References:
[1] Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government – Press Release. Department of Health reminds chronic hepatitis B patients to undergo regular examinations and medical follow-up. July 28, 2024.
[2] Yang Fan. Study on the epidemic trend and prevention strategy of liver cancer burden [D]. Peking Union Medical College, 2024. DOI: 10.27648/d.cnki.gzxhu.2024.000103.
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