Ultrasound-Guided Medical Device With Echogenic Microbubble Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound-guided procedures face challenges in accurately visualizing and differentiating internal anatomic structures, such as vessels, nerves, muscles, and tendons, due to variations in ultrasound wave reflection and overlapping structures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device equipped with a therapeutic distal tip, a source of biocompatible fluid, and a delivery system that selectively delivers biocompatible fluid with echogenic microbubbles to enhance ultrasound imaging and guide the therapeutic distal tip during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used to visualize anatomic structures, then the procedure can be performed, but the visualization accuracy is insufficient due to variations in wave reflection and overlapping structures
Solution Approach 1:
Echogenic microbubbles are introduced as an intermediary contrast agent between the ultrasound waves and the anatomic structures. These microbubbles serve as a mediator that enhances the interaction between ultrasound waves and tissues, creating distinct acoustic signals that improve visualization and differentiation of structures such as vessels, nerves, muscles, and tendons without requiring direct contact or invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the concept of contrast enhancement analogous to color changes in imaging. By introducing echogenic microbubbles that reflect ultrasound waves differently than surrounding tissues, the system creates distinct acoustic 'colors' or signals that allow differentiation between various anatomic structures. The microbubbles appear as bright, echogenic signals on ultrasound imaging, making them stand out against the background tissue structures
2Manufacturing precision
If the therapeutic distal tip is advanced toward the treatment site without enhanced guidance, then the procedure can be performed, but the precision of steering relative to anatomic structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring the dispersion and distribution of echogenic microbubbles via ultrasound imaging during the advancement of the therapeutic distal tip. The operator receives immediate visual feedback about the tip's position relative to anatomic structures through the microbubble patterns, allowing dynamic adjustment of the tip trajectory to maintain precise steering while avoiding structures such as blood vessels and nerves
Solution Approach 2:
Echogenic microbubbles are delivered in advance of the therapeutic distal tip to the treatment area, creating an enhanced ultrasound imaging environment before the tip reaches critical structures. This preliminary action allows the operator to visualize and identify anatomic structures ahead of time, enabling proactive steering decisions rather than reactive adjustments
3Productivity
If percutaneous procedures are performed to treat injured tissue, then treatment can be applied, but trauma to surrounding healthy tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The therapeutic distal tip is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both the therapeutic capability (e.g., blade, trochar, grinding tip, or energy source) and the guidance capability through integrated ultrasound imaging and microbubble visualization. This universal design allows a single device to perform both treatment and navigation functions, eliminating the need for separate guidance instruments that would increase trauma risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical guidance methods (such as tactile feedback or radiological imaging) with acoustic field-based guidance using ultrasound waves and echogenic microbubbles. This substitution allows for real-time, dynamic visualization of anatomic structures without the need for additional mechanical instruments or ionizing radiation, thereby reducing trauma to surrounding healthy tissues while maintaining treatment effectiveness
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 use of echogenic microbubbles improves ultrasound visualization, allowing clinicians to precisely steer the therapeutic distal tip relative to anatomic structures, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and ensuring targeted therapy.
Implementation Method 1
face challenges in accurately visualizing and differentiating internal anatomic structures, such as vessels, nerves, muscles, and tendons, due to variations in ultrasound wave reflection
Implementation Method 2
delivering a quantity of biocompatible fluid with echogenic microbubbles to the area; observing, via ultrasound, an anatomic structure proximate the treatment site and dispersion of the echogenic microbubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing an ultrasound-guided procedure may include (a) providing a medical device that has (i) a therapeutic distal tip configured to percutaneously alter internal tissue or bone at a treatment site of a patient; (ii) a source of biocompatible fluid; and (iii) a delivery system configured to selectively deliver a quantity of the biocompatible fluid, with echogenic microbubbles therein, to an area external and adjacent to the therapeutic distal tip. The method may further include subcutaneously advancing the therapeutic distal tip toward the treatment site; delivering a quantity of biocompatible fluid with echogenic microbubbles to the area; observing, via ultrasound, an anatomic structure proximate the treatment site and dispersion of the echogenic microbubbles at the area; and based on a nature and location of the dispersion, steering the therapeutic distal tip relative to the anatomic structure, and continuing to advance the therapeutic distal tip toward the treatment site.