Bubble-Reducing Transducer Assembly for Flushed Imaging Catheters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging devices face challenges with bubble formation and adhesion that disrupt ultrasound signals during flushing, leading to impaired image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a bubble-reducing member, such as a barrier disk or tapered mesh, adjacent to the drive cable within the imaging assembly, which allows fluid flow while preventing larger bubbles from reaching the transducer and disrupting smaller bubbles, thereby maintaining image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fluid is flowed through the imaging assembly during flushing, then the imaging assembly is cooled and lubricated, but bubbles form and adhere to the transducer disrupting ultrasound signals
Solution Approach 1:
A bubble-reducing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid flow path and the transducer. This member includes a barrier disk with openings that allow fluid to pass through while blocking bubbles, thereby mediating the interaction between the flushing fluid and the transducer to eliminate bubble adhesion while preserving cooling and lubrication benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble-reducing member features a barrier disk with specific opening patterns that create localized flow characteristics. The openings are positioned and sized to allow fluid passage while blocking bubbles, creating different flow qualities for fluid versus bubbles at the same location, thus resolving the contradiction between fluid flow benefits and bubble harm
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier disk with openings is used to block bubbles, then bubble adhesion is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier disk is designed as a thin, flexible component that can be easily integrated into the existing imaging assembly structure. The thin-film nature of the barrier disk allows it to be accommodated within the existing housing and drive cable assembly without significantly increasing overall device complexity or bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier disk serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks bubbles from reaching the transducer, provides structural support for the imaging assembly, and can be integrated with the drive cable assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 bubble-reducing member effectively reduces bubble interference, enhancing image quality by allowing fluid flow while minimizing bubble impact on the transducer, thus improving imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
a bubble-reducing member disposed adjacent to the drive cable... configured to allow fluid to flow between the proximal end region to the distal end region while disrupting the flow of bubbles between the proximal end region and the distal end region
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an imaging medical device, comprising an elongate shaft having a distal end region , an imaging assembly disposed within the elongate shaft, the imaging assembly including a drive cable, a housing coupled to the drive cable, and a transducer coupled to the housing, and a bubble-reducing member designed so that when the imaging medical device is flushed, the bubble-reducing member blocks or reduces bubbles from travelling along the elongate shaft toward the housing and transducer, wherein the bubble-reducing member includes a barrier disk with a plurality of openings formed therein.