Expandable Endcap Ultrasound Probe for Air-Gap-Free Pulmonary Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound probes used in radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) are prone to damage due to their small and fragile exposed portions, and visualization is impaired by air gaps in larger pulmonary passages, leading to kinking and impaired imaging.
Innovation Solution
A tissue biopsy system with an elongate member and endcap that protects the ultrasound probe and maintains contact with the body passage wall, using expandable and conductive endcaps to enhance navigation and visualization, and includes a ramped surface for tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasound probe is extended beyond the distal end of the delivery catheter for visualization, then target tissue visualization is enabled, but the probe becomes fragile and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a protective sheath that surrounds the exposed portion of the ultrasound probe before it can be damaged. The sheath acts as a pre-positioned protective barrier that prevents kinking and breakage while allowing the probe to extend beyond the catheter tip for adequate tissue visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells by using a sheath made of flexible material that can conform to the probe geometry while providing protection. The sheath is flexible enough to allow probe movement and extension but provides sufficient structural support to prevent damage to the fragile exposed probe portion.
2Ease of operation
If the exposed portion of the ultrasound probe is kept small to navigate narrow passages, then navigation through pulmonary peripheries is enabled, but visualization capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the catheter structure into distinct functional segments: a narrow delivery catheter for navigation through tight passages, and an extended protective sheath with exposed probe portion for visualization. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by extending the protective sheath and exposed probe in the longitudinal dimension beyond the catheter tip. This dimensional extension allows the probe to achieve adequate exposed length for visualization while the catheter maintains its narrow profile for navigation through constricted passages.
3Measurement precision
If the ultrasound probe is extended beyond the catheter tip for adequate exposure, then target tissue contact is improved, but the probe becomes more susceptible to kinking and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath provides beforehand cushioning by surrounding the exposed probe portion with a protective barrier before clinical use. This pre-positioned protection prevents external forces from causing kinking or breakage while allowing the probe to extend sufficiently for target tissue contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the ultrasound probe element with a protective sheath material to create a composite structure. The sheath material provides mechanical strength and damage resistance while the embedded probe maintains its functional properties for tissue contact and ultrasound transmission.
4Measurement precision
If the endcap is made expandable to improve contact with body passage wall, then ultrasound signal propagation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the endcap expandable from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. This dynamic transformation allows the endcap to adapt its shape and size to match the body passage geometry, improving ultrasound contact and signal propagation while maintaining a compact profile during delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable endcap is actuated using pneumatic or hydraulic principles through inflation with fluid (such as contrast material or saline). This allows the endcap to expand to improve ultrasound signal propagation by eliminating air gaps and achieving conformal contact with the body passage wall.
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 system provides enhanced navigation and improved visualization by preventing probe damage and air gaps, allowing precise tissue sampling and biopsy in both narrow and large body passages.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable member is expanded to eliminate any air gaps between the endcap and the body passage wall to allow propagation of the ultrasound signal
Implementation Method 2
The endcap may be filled with a conductive material
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for enhanced navigation and visualization of body passages. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure provide enhanced navigation through the pulmonary peripheries, and enhanced visualization within larger pulmonary passages.