Acoustic Probe With Device Insertion Port For Deep Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic imaging systems face challenges in visualizing interventional devices during minimally invasive procedures, particularly at deeper tissue depths, leading to difficulties in procedures like deep nerve blocks, and require manual repositioning of the imaging probe, which is inconvenient and reduces image quality.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic imaging system with a concave disc-shaped probe featuring a tapered device insertion port and an array of transducer elements, allowing for enhanced visualization and hands-free operation, along with an instrument guide that automatically adjusts to optimize the interventional device's orientation and trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing acoustic probes with identical imaging array configuration are used for both diagnostic and interventional imaging, then the device complexity is low, but the visualization of interventional devices at deeper tissue depths is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into functionally distinct regions: a central device insertion port for introducing interventional devices and surrounding imaging array elements for acoustic imaging. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region's function while maintaining integrated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional linear or planar array configurations to a three-dimensional volumetric imaging capability by arranging transducer elements around the device insertion port in multiple dimensions, enabling enhanced visualization at greater depths through 3D acoustic sampling.
2Measurement precision
If manual repositioning of the acoustic probe is performed to maintain image quality during interventional procedures, then the imaging resolution can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated probe design performs self-alignment functions by maintaining fixed geometric relationships between the device insertion port and imaging elements. The system automatically maintains optimal imaging geometry without requiring manual probe repositioning, as the rigid structure ensures consistent spatial relationships throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manually repositioning the probe to track the device, the invention inverts the approach by having the device pass through a fixed, pre-configured insertion port that is already optimally positioned relative to the imaging array, eliminating the need for dynamic probe adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If special interventional devices with enhanced visibility are used, then the visualization of interventional devices improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic imaging system acts as an intermediary that provides enhanced visualization of standard interventional devices without requiring modifications to the devices themselves. The integrated probe configuration enables direct acoustic imaging of the device structures as they pass through the insertion port, eliminating the need for echogenic coatings or other device modifications.
4Measurement precision
If acoustic imaging probes with larger aperture are used to improve deep tissue imaging, then the imaging resolution at depth improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to larger probe size
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging array elements are concentrated in the region surrounding the device insertion port, creating a localized high-resolution imaging zone where it is most needed for deep tissue visualization. This local concentration of imaging capability provides deep imaging performance without requiring a uniformly large probe aperture across the entire device surface.
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 provides improved visualization and resolution at deeper tissue depths, reduces the need for manual repositioning of the probe, and enables more precise and efficient performance of interventional procedures by automatically aligning the interventional device with the target location.
Implementation Method 1
an array of acoustic transducer elements supported by the substrate and disposed around the at least one device insertion port; and an acoustic imaging machine connected to the acoustic probe and configured to provide transmit signals to least some of the acoustic transducer elements to cause the array of acoustic transducer elements to transmit an acoustic probe signal
Implementation Method 2
configured to receive a feedback signal from an acoustic receiver provided at a distal end of an interventional device passes through the device insertion port into the area of interest
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic probe connectable to an imaging system. The acoustic probe has a substrate with first and second principal surfaces, at least one device insertion port comprising an opening passing through the substrate from the first principal surface to the second principal surface, and an array of acoustic transducer elements supported by the substrate and disposed around the at least one device insertion port. The acoustic probe comprising an instrument guide disposed within the device insertion port, the instrument guide being configured to selectively allow the interventional device to move freely within the device insertion port and to selectively lock the interventional device within the device insertion port in response to a user input via a user interface connected to the acoustic probe.