Angled Multi-Array Ultrasound for Spinal Anatomy Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging devices for spinal anatomy suffer from sub-optimal acoustic paths that obscure visualization of key anatomical features, are incompatible with real-time imaging during interventional procedures, and expose patients to ionizing radiation or high costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-array ultrasound apparatus with angled transducer arrays and acoustic standoffs, combined with virtual apex transmit and receive beamforming, enables superior visualization of spinal anatomy and simultaneous therapeutic interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging probes are used for spinal anatomy, then the device can be easily operated and is portable, but the geometry of the probe leads to sub-optimal acoustic paths that obscure visualization of key anatomical features
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound probe is divided into multiple separate transducer arrays (first array, second array, third array) with distinct acoustic standoffs, allowing each array to be independently oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the spinal anatomy. This segmentation enables optimized acoustic paths for different spinal structures without compromising the simplicity of the overall device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric angular orientation of the transducer arrays, where each array is angled differently relative to the skin surface and spinal anatomy. The first array is angled at a first angle, the second array at a second angle, and the third array at a third angle, creating asymmetric acoustic paths that specifically target different spinal anatomical features for improved visualization.
2Measurement precision
If CT or fluoroscopy is used for spinal imaging, then high success rates and clear visualization are achieved, but patients are exposed to ionizing radiation and procedure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging systems (CT, fluoroscopy) with ultrasound-based imaging that uses mechanical acoustic waves. The multi-array ultrasound probe with angled transducers generates and detects acoustic waves to visualize spinal anatomy, providing clear images without exposing patients to ionizing radiation, thus substituting a harmful physical mechanism with a safe alternative.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If MRI is used for spinal imaging, then no ionizing radiation is exposed to the patient, but procedure cost increases and real-time imaging during interventional procedures is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound imaging system provides dynamic, real-time visualization of spinal anatomy during interventional procedures. The probe can be positioned and imaged continuously during needle guidance or other interventions, allowing the operator to see anatomical structures and procedural progress in real-time. This dynamic capability contrasts with MRI's static, pre-procedure imaging, enabling adaptive decision-making during the procedure itself.
4Measurement precision
If a single transducer array is used for ultrasound imaging, then the device structure remains simple, but the acoustic path geometry is sub-optimal for visualizing key spinal anatomical features
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound probe is divided into multiple separate transducer arrays (first array, second array, third array) with distinct acoustic standoffs, allowing each array to be independently oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the spinal anatomy. This segmentation enables optimized acoustic paths for different spinal structures without compromising the simplicity of the overall device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional dimension for transducer array configuration. Instead of a single array perpendicular to the skin surface, multiple arrays are oriented at different angles (first angle, second angle, third angle) relative to the spinal anatomy, adding angular freedom to the imaging geometry and enabling visualization of previously inaccessible anatomical features.
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
Provides enhanced visualization of spinal anatomy and allows real-time imaging guidance during procedures like needle guidance, reducing radiation exposure and procedure costs.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound-based multi-array apparatus with a physical separation between the arrays and an angled orientation relative to the spinal anatomy
Implementation Method 2
acoustic paths for imaging spinal anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound-based scanning system and method using multiple transducer arrays and methods and non-transitory computer-readable media to optimize ultrasound visualization of spinal anatomy.