Active Needle Transducer Visibility via Acoustic Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active needles with electrically-powered transducers are difficult to locate on ultrasound display screens during medical procedures like peripheral nerve blocks, due to challenges in detecting the needle tip within ultrasound imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and needle assembly that generate and modify location signals based on data signals from autonomous ultrasound imaging systems, enhancing visibility by determining thresholds, identifying peak amplitudes, and modifying characteristics such as color, shape, and flashing rates to clearly display the needle's position on the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If active transducers are integrated into needles for electrical connection to power source, then the needle can be equipped with functional capabilities, but the needle becomes difficult to locate on ultrasound display screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by modifying the acoustic impedance of the needle tip to create a distinct echogenic signature. The needle tip is designed with specific material properties that cause it to reflect ultrasound waves differently, creating a bright, easily distinguishable signal on the ultrasound display. This allows the needle to maintain its functional capabilities while becoming highly visible for detection and localization during medical procedures.
2Device complexity
If standard ultrasound imaging is used without signal modification, then the system maintains simplicity, but the needle tip visibility and detection precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the acoustic impedance parameter of the needle tip through material selection and geometric design. The needle tip is constructed with materials and structures that optimize ultrasound wave reflection, creating enhanced echogenicity. This parameter modification allows the existing ultrasound imaging system to detect the needle tip with high precision without requiring complex additional equipment or signal processing modifications.
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
Improves the visibility and location of the needle tip on the ultrasound display screen, facilitating more precise anatomical detection and navigation during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound imaging systems utilize sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing
Data Source
AI summary
A needle assembly for use with an autonomous ultrasound imaging system includes a needle having a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a patient. The needle assembly also includes a needle transducer mounted to an exterior surface of the needle and is electrically coupled to a power source. The needle transducer is configured to receive data signals from the autonomous ultrasound imaging system which contain information relating to a plurality of ultrasound waves generated by an ultrasound probe of the autonomous ultrasound imaging system. The needle assembly further includes at least one processor configured to perform one or more operations, including but not limited to, generating a location signal for at least one portion of the needle based on the data signals from the autonomous ultrasound imaging system and modifying at least one characteristic of the location signal so as to improve visibility of the location signal on the display screen, wherein the modified location signal is displayed on a display screen during use of the needle assembly so as to locate the at least one portion of the needle.