Acoustic Reflector Tissue Mapping for Real-Time Ultrasound Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound therapy systems face challenges in effectively treating target tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues due to tissue heterogeneity and varying tissue responses, and lack efficient methods to monitor treatment effects during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of transient acoustic reflectors, such as microbubbles, introduced into or near the target region, to generate reflection signals that are analyzed to provide tissue information, including type, condition, permeability, and viability, combined with imaging data to create detailed maps and evaluate treatment effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transrectal ultrasonic imaging is used to visualize the prostate, then imaging capability is improved, but the probe is bulky and difficult to insert
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic imaging system is segmented into two separate components: a miniaturized transrectal probe for insertion and a separate external housing containing the bulk of the ultrasonic imaging electronics and processing equipment. This segmentation allows the probe to be small and easy to insert while maintaining full imaging capability through the external unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-integration probe design to a distributed architecture where the imaging electronics are moved to an external dimension (separate housing), allowing the intrarectal probe to be minimized in size while preserving complete ultrasonic imaging functionality through wireless or wired connection to the external unit.
2Loss of information
If acoustic reflectors are placed in the anatomic target region, then tissue information is enhanced, but the complexity of delivering and positioning the reflectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic reflectors are merged with the biopsy needle assembly, allowing the reflectors to be delivered through the same needle pathway used for tissue sampling. This integration eliminates the need for separate delivery mechanisms and simplifies the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing biopsy needle infrastructure to deliver the acoustic reflectors, allowing the reflectors to be positioned using the same minimally invasive pathway already established for tissue acquisition, thereby avoiding additional complex delivery systems.
3Ease of operation
If a miniaturized intrarectal probe is used, then ease of insertion is improved, but the probe lacks sufficient processing equipment for real-time image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the processing equipment from the intrarectal probe, placing the substantial image formation and processing electronics in an external housing while keeping the probe miniaturized for easy insertion. The probe transmits raw ultrasonic data to the external unit for real-time image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
A data transmission interface acts as an intermediary between the miniaturized probe and the external processing equipment, enabling real-time transfer of ultrasonic signals from the probe to the external housing where complex image formation occurs, thus resolving the space constraint of the probe.
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
Enhances the precision of ultrasound therapy by providing real-time tissue characterization and treatment monitoring, allowing for targeted and effective ablation of diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
providing tissue information in an anatomic target region using acoustic reflectors
Implementation Method 2
transrectal ultrasonic imaging
Data Source
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AI summary
Various approaches for computationally characterizing tissue in an anatomic target region include generating multiple sonications to transient acoustic reflectors at or proximate to the target region; measuring reflection signals of the sonications off the transient acoustic reflectors; based on the measurements, identifying the reflection signals originating from single transient acoustic reflectors; and based at least in part on the identified reflection signals, generating a digital map including a tissue characteristic.