Echogenic Medical Device Surface Laser Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices with echogenic surfaces provide imprecise images under ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, limiting the precise location and detection of medical instruments during minimally-invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of medical devices with external surfaces featuring small features oriented at non-perpendicular angles, created through laser machining, which enhances visibility by adding features at different sizes and angles to improve image interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional echogenic surfaces with hemispherical or curved dimples are used, then ultrasound detection is enhanced, but image precision remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The echogenic surface is segmented into multiple sets of small surfaces arranged in different orientations rather than using a single uniform pattern. This segmentation allows each set to contribute differently to the ultrasound interference pattern, enabling more precise location and detection of the medical device within the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetry by arranging small surfaces in multiple non-perpendicular orientations on the device surface. This asymmetric configuration creates complex interference patterns that provide richer imaging information compared to symmetric hemispherical dimples, thereby improving image precision and detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a single orientation of small surfaces is used on the device surface, then manufacturing is simpler, but image clarity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-oriented surface pattern to a multi-oriented pattern by adding the dimension of orientation variation. Multiple sets of small surfaces are arranged at different angles relative to each other, creating a three-dimensional interference pattern that enhances location precision while maintaining manufacturability through laser machining techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional echogenic surfaces are used, then device visibility under ultrasound is improved, but visibility under magnetic resonance imaging is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-oriented small surface configuration serves multiple imaging functions simultaneously. The same surface structure that creates ultrasound interference patterns also provides enhanced visibility under magnetic resonance imaging, making the device universally detectable across different imaging modalities without requiring separate surface treatments for each technique.
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 provides more precise location and detection of medical devices within the body, improving image clarity and visibility under both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.
Implementation Method 1
ablating a first plurality of small surfaces on at least a portion of an external surface of the medical device in a first orientation relative to the medical device with a laser
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices are made visible under ultrasonic or magnetic imaging techniques by adding a series of features on their surfaces. The features are desirably placed at more than one angle to the surface in order to enhance the visibility of the surface. Laser-machining can make a series of depressions or voids that are symmetric with respect to the surface and another series of depressions or voids that are non-symmetric. The pattern of voids is also varied by using more than one size of void, the depth of the voids, and the distribution of voids, i.e. more voids in some areas than others.