Biopsy Guide with 2D Matrix Ultrasound Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biopsy guide systems using one-dimensional ultrasound transducers restrict the entry location of biopsy needles to a single imaging plane, limiting flexibility and visibility during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position biopsy guide system employing a 2D matrix ultrasound transducer allows for guiding biopsy needles along variable paths by enabling ultrasound imaging in multiple planes, including azimuth, elevation, and diagonal orientations, using a biopsy needle guide that can be positioned at various locations relative to the transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional one-dimensional ultrasound transducer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the biopsy needle entry location is restricted to a single imaging plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear array transducer to a two-dimensional matrix array transducer. This dimensional upgrade enables imaging in multiple planes (azimuth, elevation, and diagonal) simultaneously, allowing biopsy needles to be guided from various entry locations around the transducer, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Loss of information
If a conventional one-dimensional ultrasound transducer is used, then the device complexity is low, but the monitoring capability during biopsy procedure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D matrix array transducer performs multiple imaging functions simultaneously - it can generate images in the azimuth plane, elevation plane, and diagonal planes all at once. This multi-functionality ensures complete visibility of the biopsy needle path regardless of entry location, while the integrated nature of the system keeps the overall complexity manageable.
3Productivity
If multiple biopsy needles are guided simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D matrix array transducer automatically provides simultaneous multi-plane imaging coverage for multiple needles without requiring additional external imaging devices or complex coordination systems. Each needle's path is independently visualized in its respective optimal plane, enabling high productivity while keeping the guidance system relatively simple through the transducer's inherent capabilities.
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
This system provides enhanced flexibility in selecting biopsy needle entry locations, enabling better monitoring and guidance of needles through 3D imaging, allowing for simultaneous or alternate imaging of multiple needles and improved awareness of nearby structures during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound transducers are frequently used to observe the region of interest during the insertion of the biopsy needle
Implementation Method 2
an image plane underneath the transducer face may be observed by detecting echoes of reflected ultrasonic signals coming from inhomogeneities of the observed region
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-position biopsy guide system and a method of using such biopsy guide system is proposed. The biopsy guide system comprises a 2D matrix ultrasound transducer (3) and comprises at least one biopsy needle guide (5) adapted for guiding a biopsy needle along a biopsy path (7). Therein, the multi-position biopsy guide system is adapted to controllably guide the biopsy needle along biopsy paths at variable locations with respect to the 2D matrix ultrasound transducer. Preferably, a location of the biopsy needle guide (5) with respect to the matrix ultrasound transducer may be determined and an ultrasound image in an image plane aligned with a biopsy path corresponding to the determined location of the biopsy needle guide may be acquired. Thereby, a biopsy process may be monitored for various locations and orientations of a guided biopsy needle.