Acoustic Window with Positioning Marks for Brain Ultrasound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for imaging and treating brain tissue using ultrasounds face challenges such as difficulty in transmitting ultrasounds through the cranium and complex implantation procedures, with existing solutions either being costly, invasive, or difficult to position accurately once implanted.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising an acoustic window implanted in the cranium with positioning marks visible through the skin, allowing for precise alignment of an ultrasonic wave generation probe, which is acoustically transparent and designed to minimize heat absorption, and can be adapted to fit the curvature of the skull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an acoustic window is implanted in the cranium to enable ultrasound transmission, then ultrasound imaging and treatment of brain tissue becomes feasible, but the implantation procedure becomes complex and the device becomes invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: an implantable acoustic window and a removable ultrasonic probe. This segmentation allows the acoustic window to be permanently implanted to provide reliable ultrasound transmission, while the probe can be removed and repositioned as needed, simplifying the overall procedure and reducing invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic window acts as an intermediary device implanted in the cranium that facilitates ultrasound transmission between the external probe and the brain tissue. This mediator enables effective ultrasound imaging and treatment without requiring direct skull penetration or complex implantable probes.
2Reliability
If an acoustic window is implanted in the cranium, then ultrasound transmission is enabled, but accurate positioning of the ultrasonic probe becomes difficult once the skin is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with optical or electromagnetic positioning marks that are visible through the skin. These marks provide precise visual or electronic guidance for probe positioning without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms or open surgical exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic window incorporates visible positioning marks that can be detected through the skin, allowing practitioners to accurately locate and align the ultrasonic probe with the implantable window. These marks may use contrasting colors or reflective properties to enhance visibility and positioning precision.
3Reliability
If an implantable ultrasonic device is used, then effective treatment of brain disorders is achieved, but the device requires complex connection means between the ultrasonic device and control unit
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and connection means are extracted from the implantable device and placed externally. The implantable acoustic window is kept simple without integrated electronics or connection components, while the removable probe contains the ultrasonic generation and control electronics. This extraction eliminates complex connection requirements between implanted and external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the removable probe self-aligns with the implantable window using visible positioning marks, eliminating the need for complex connection mechanisms. The probe can be independently positioned and connected without requiring precise mechanical or electrical interfacing between separate implanted and external components.
4Ease of manufacture
If an outer ultrasonic device is used instead of implantable, then manufacturing is easier and sterility problems are avoided, but the device cannot be precisely positioned or focused on specific brain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable acoustic window serves as an intermediary that enables precise beam focusing and positioning when used with an external ultrasonic probe. The window's fixed position in the cranium, marked for accurate alignment, allows the external probe to focus ultrasound beams precisely on target brain areas without requiring the probe itself to be implantable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the functions of precise positioning and beam focusing between the implantable window (which provides stable, markable positioning reference) and the external probe (which contains the ultrasonic generation and focusing capabilities). This segmentation allows the external probe to be manufactured with precise focusing mechanisms while the window provides the stable positioning reference.
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
Facilitates easier and more accurate imaging and treatment of brain tissue by enabling precise positioning of the ultrasonic probe, reducing the complexity of implantation and minimizing heat-related risks, while allowing for flexible adaptation to treat various areas of the brain.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acoustic window intended to be implanted at an opening arranged into the cranium of a patient... the acoustic window comprises a plate transparent to the ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic wave generation probe intended to be positioned in line with the acoustic window... prior to the generation of the ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for imaging and/or treating brain tissue, having at least one acoustic window which comprises a plate that is transparent to ultrasonic waves, and at least one positioning marker which facilitates positioning of a probe for generating ultrasonic waves so as to be aligned with said acoustic window.