4D Intracardiac Echocardiography Mechanical Rotation Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging systems face challenges such as high cost, large device volume, and high computational complexity, which hinder efficient 4D imaging.
Innovation Solution
The proposed 4D ICE imaging system incorporates an interventional catheter with a miniature ultrasonic probe and an external mechanical driving apparatus, which allows for unidirectional and uniform rotation of the probe inside the catheter, enabling mechanical 4D scanning imaging. This system reduces the complexity and cost of the probe and the system while maintaining 4D ultrasonic imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a matrix-phase array transducer is used for 4D ICE imaging, then real-time high-definition 4D imaging capability is achieved, but the probe becomes high in integration complexity and production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic beam steering mechanism of matrix-phase array transducers with a mechanical rotation system. A single 2D phased array probe is rotated mechanically by a driving device to achieve 4D imaging, eliminating the need for complex electronic beam deflection in three dimensions while maintaining real-time imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ultrasonic probe multi-functional by enabling it to perform both 2D imaging (when stationary) and 4D imaging (when rotated) functions. The same probe structure serves multiple purposes, reducing the need for specialized complex 4D-only probes
2Measurement precision
If numerous ultrasonic array elements are integrated into the probe, then 4D imaging resolution is improved, but the number of wire harnesses increases and ASIC integration cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex signal processing function from the probe tip by using a mechanical rotation system instead of integrating numerous array elements with separate wiring. The simplified probe structure reduces wire harness requirements while the external rotation mechanism provides the additional dimensional scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable probe design with integrated driving mechanism, eliminating the need for expensive reusable ASIC chips and complex wiring harnesses. The disposable nature allows for simpler, more cost-effective probe construction while maintaining imaging quality
3Device complexity
If ASIC chip is integrated at the front end for signal processing, then the number of wire harnesses is reduced, but development and production cost increases and heating problem limits acoustic power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable probe design that eliminates the need for expensive ASIC chips. The probe is designed to be discarded after use, removing the requirement for cost-effective reusable electronic components while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic signal processing integration with a mechanical rotation system. The driving mechanism is integrated into the probe structure, providing signal processing functionality through mechanical means rather than expensive electronic chips
4Device complexity
If mechanical rotation is used for 4D scanning, then probe complexity and cost are reduced, but imaging speed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic rotation of the probe to achieve 4D scanning. The rotational motion is performed in regular intervals, allowing the system to maintain simplified mechanical complexity while achieving comprehensive volumetric imaging through repeated cyclic scanning motions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and orientation of the probe before rotation begins. The driving device pre-aligns the probe at optimal angles, allowing the subsequent rotation to proceed more efficiently and maintain imaging speed despite the mechanical movement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively achieves 4D ultrasonic imaging with reduced costs and complexity, enabling efficient and cost-effective imaging for interventional procedures. The mechanical driving apparatus and portable ultrasonic host further enhance the system's efficiency and affordability.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic host is used to output an acoustic wave driving signal. The miniature ultrasonic probe is used to intermittently emit the acoustic wave driving signal output by the ultrasonic host
Implementation Method 2
The miniature ultrasonic probe is also used to receive an echo signal of the acoustic wave driving signal
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical driving apparatus is used to drive the miniature ultrasonic probe to rotate unidirectionally and uniformly inside the interventional catheter when the miniature ultrasonic probe emits the acoustic wave driving signal output by the ultrasonic host, thus performing mechanical 4D scanning imaging on different positions of an imaging target
Data Source
AI summary
Provided by the present disclosure are a 4D (four-dimensional) intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging system, an ultrasonic imaging method and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. The system at least includes an interventional catheter, an external mechanical driving apparatus, and an ultrasonic host. The interventional catheter includes a miniature ultrasonic probe located at a distal end. The ultrasonic host is connected to the miniature ultrasonic probe, and used to output an acoustic wave driving signal. The miniature ultrasonic probe is used to emit the acoustic wave driving signal intermittently. The mechanical driving apparatus is used to drive the probe to rotate unidirectionally and uniformly in the interventional catheter when the probe emits the acoustic wave driving signal, thus performing mechanical 4D scanning imaging. The miniature ultrasonic probe is also used to receive an echo signal of the acoustic wave driving signal, and to transmit the echo signal to the ultrasonic host.