Annular IC Controller for Intraluminal Ultrasound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional intraluminal imaging devices with rectangular integrated circuit controllers are stiff and unable to bend, making it challenging to traverse tortuous anatomy within the human body due to their length and shape.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of annularly-shaped integrated circuit controllers that reduce the longitudinal length of the imaging device, allowing for greater flexibility and maneuverability by positioning the controllers around the circumference of the device, enabling easier navigation through small, tortuous channels like blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional rectangular integrated circuit controllers are used, then the electrical interface is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the device length increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit controller is fabricated in an annular (ring-shaped) configuration rather than a traditional rectangular shape. This curvature allows the controller to wrap around the imaging assembly, reducing the longitudinal stiff length of the device while enabling the imaging assembly to bend and navigate tortuous anatomy. The annular shape is achieved through specialized fabrication processes that deposit and pattern circuitry on a curved substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller transitions from a two-dimensional rectangular planar layout to a three-dimensional annular structure that wraps around the imaging assembly. This dimensional change allows the controller to occupy radial space rather than only longitudinal space, effectively reducing the device's stiff length while maintaining all necessary electrical connections and functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging device is made shorter and more flexible, then it can traverse tortuous anatomy easier, but the electrical interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular controller integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure that wraps around the imaging assembly. By combining the controller circuitry, transducer elements, and electrical connections into a integrated annular configuration, the design eliminates the need for complex external electrical interfaces and rotating connectors, simplifying the overall system despite the reduced stiff length.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging assembly with the annular controller is nested within the flexible elongate member (catheter shaft). The controller and transducer array are positioned within the confines of the catheter, allowing the entire imaging assembly to be contained within a flexible delivery system that can navigate tortuous vasculature without requiring complex external electrical interfaces.
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
The annularly-shaped controllers significantly reduce the stiff length of the imaging device, allowing it to effectively reach target sites within the body through small diameter, tortuous channels, improving the device's ability to image vessels without causing trauma or requiring complex electrical interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers emit ultrasonic energy in order to create an image of the vessel of interest. Ultrasonic waves are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures... Echoes from the reflected waves are received by the transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An intraluminal imaging device is provided. In one embodiment, the imaging device includes a flexible elongate member that may be inserted into a body lumen within a patient. The flexible elongate member may define a longitudinal axis. The imaging device also has an imaging assembly that is disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly may have a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements disposed around the longitudinal axis. The imaging assembly further includes a first integrated circuit controller in communication with the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements. The first integrated circuit controller may be annularly shaped. In some embodiments, the imaging assembly may include a second integrated circuit controller in communication with the ultrasound transducer elements and the first integrated circuit controller. The second integrated circuit controller may be annularly shaped.