Adjustable RF Applicator for Thermoacoustic Imaging Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sub-optimal coupling of radio frequency (RF) applicators to tissue during thermoacoustic imaging leads to inefficient energy transfer, reduced heating rates, non-uniform energy deposition, tissue hotspots, overheating, and poor image quality due to variability in subject size, tissue geometry, and composition.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable RF applicator system that optimizes RF energy delivery by adjusting the distance, impedance, and temperature to maximize peak-to-peak amplitude of bipolar acoustic signals, allowing for precise energy deposition and improved imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If RF applicator is coupled to tissue during thermoacoustic imaging, then RF energy can be delivered to heat tissue, but sub-optimal coupling causes inefficient energy transfer, reduced heating rates, and poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the RF applicator adjustable in real-time during the imaging process. The applicator's position, orientation, and coupling to tissue can be dynamically modified based on feedback from detected acoustic signals, allowing optimal energy transfer efficiency to be maintained despite variations in tissue properties and geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting bipolar acoustic signals generated during RF heating and using this information to adjust the RF applicator settings. The system monitors the acoustic response and feeds this information back to optimize RF energy delivery, ensuring efficient energy transfer while preventing tissue damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If RF energy pulses are directed into tissue to induce acoustic pressure waves, then thermoacoustic imaging can be performed, but sub-optimal coupling causes non-uniform energy deposition and tissue hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The RF applicator is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing real-time modification of its coupling to tissue and distribution of RF energy. This dynamic adjustment ensures uniform energy deposition across the treatment area while preventing localized hotspots that could cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting multiple RF applicator parameters including power level, frequency, pulse duration, and spatial distribution. These parameter modifications are made based on detected acoustic signals to achieve uniform energy deposition while preventing tissue overheating and hotspots.
3Speed
If RF applicator coupling is adjusted to improve energy transfer, then heating rates increase, but improper adjustment causes tissue damage and RF power supply damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from detected bipolar acoustic signals to monitor tissue response in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to increase heating rates by optimizing RF applicator coupling while simultaneously detecting signs of excessive heating and preventing tissue damage through automatic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using the detected acoustic signals as an early warning system. The system monitors for signs of excessive heating before actual tissue damage occurs, allowing preventive adjustment of RF parameters to avoid both insufficient heating and harmful overheating.
4Adaptability or versatility
If RF applicator is coupled to tissue, then RF energy delivery is enabled, but variability in subject size, tissue geometry, and composition causes sub-optimal coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The RF applicator is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt to varying tissue conditions. The system can modify its position, orientation, and coupling parameters in real-time based on detected acoustic signals, ensuring reliable and consistent performance across different subject sizes, tissue geometries, and compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting multiple RF applicator parameters including power, frequency, pulse duration, and physical positioning. These parameter modifications are driven by feedback from acoustic signal detection, enabling the system to maintain reliable coupling consistency despite variability in subject and tissue characteristics.
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 RF energy delivery and image quality by maximizing acoustic signal amplitudes, enabling accurate determination of tissue parameters like fractional fat content and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoacoustic imaging uses short pulses of electromagnetic energy, such as, radio frequency (RF) pulses, directed into a subject to heat absorbing features within the subject rapidly, which in turn induces acoustic pressure waves
Implementation Method 2
The detected acoustic pressure waves are analyzed through signal processing, and processed for presentation as thermoacoustic images
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for enhancing radio frequency energy delivery to a tissue region of interest. The method and system direct with a radio frequency (RF) applicator, one or more RF energy pulses into the tissue region of interest, the tissue region of interest comprising an object of interest and at least one reference that are separated by at least one boundary; detect with an acoustic receiver, at least one bipolar acoustic signal generated in the tissue region of interest in response to the RF energy pulses and processing the at least one bipolar acoustic signal to determine a peak-to-peak amplitude thereof; adjust the RF applicator to maximize the peak-to-peak amplitude of bipolar acoustic signals generated in the tissue region of interest in response to RF energy pulses generated by the adjusted RF applicator; and direct with the adjusted RF applicator, one or more RF energy pulses into the region of interest.