Carotid Artery Vortex Sound Detection Using Piezoelectric Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting stenosis in the carotid artery, such as Doppler Ultrasonograph (DUS), lack precision and variability, particularly in distinguishing moderate stenosis levels, leading to ambiguity and uncertainty in diagnosis, which can result in inappropriate treatment decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a Y-shaped array with three piezoelectric sensor pods positioned on the heart and both sides of the neck to detect and record sounds between 40 Hz and 1600 Hz, converting them into a power spectral density graph to determine stenosis levels, providing a more precise and reliable assessment of carotid artery vortices associated with plaque accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Doppler Ultrasonograph (DUS) is used to detect stenosis in the carotid artery, then the detection can be performed non-invasively, but the precision and reliability of stenosis detection deteriorates, particularly in distinguishing moderate stenosis levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/Doppler ultrasound system with an acoustic sensing system using piezoelectric sensors. These sensors detect vortex-induced sounds directly from the carotid artery, substituting the mechanical wave-based Doppler method with a direct acoustic detection method that operates passively without mechanical contact or wave transmission into the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from Doppler velocity measurements to acoustic frequency spectrum analysis. By focusing on specific frequency ranges (40-1600 Hz) characteristic of vortex sounds, the system achieves better precision in distinguishing stenosis levels, particularly in the moderate range where Doppler methods fail.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are used to detect vortex sounds in the carotid artery, then the precision of stenosis detection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the Y-shaped array with multiple sensor pods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple sensor pods arranged in a Y-shaped configuration, with each pod containing piezoelectric sensors. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection from multiple locations (heart and both carotid arteries), improving precision through spatial distribution while keeping each individual sensor pod relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The Y-shaped array serves multiple functions: it detects sounds from both carotid arteries simultaneously, allows comparison between left and right sides, and can detect vortex sounds at different anatomical locations. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by providing comprehensive diagnostic capability.
3Loss of information
If the full frequency spectrum is analyzed, then all sound information is captured, but noise interference increases making it difficult to identify vortex-specific frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality filtering by focusing analysis on specific frequency ranges (40-1600 Hz) where vortex sounds are known to occur. Rather than uniformly analyzing all frequencies, the system selectively enhances the relevant frequency bands where pathological information is concentrated, rejecting both high-frequency and low-frequency noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the acoustic signal from time-domain to frequency-domain representation using spectral analysis. This parameter change allows identification of characteristic vortex frequencies and their harmonics, separating them from noise based on their spectral signatures rather than their temporal 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
This approach enhances the accuracy of stenosis detection by filtering out noise and focusing on specific frequency ranges, allowing for the determination of stenosis levels with improved sensitivity and specificity, reducing the risk of false positives and negatives, and enabling more effective treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
a Y shaped array comprising at least three sensor pods comprising a piezo element for detecting the sound of fluid flow generated by vortices through the carotid arteries
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring sound from vortices in the carotid artery comprising: first and second quality control provisions, wherein the quality control compares detected sounds to pre-determined sounds, and upon confirmation of the quality control procedures, detecting sounds generated by the heart and sounds from vortices in the carotid artery for at least 30 seconds.