Fiber-Optic Vessel Shape Sensing for Doppler Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optimal Doppler ultrasound measurements are difficult to achieve due to the complex anatomy of vasculature, where the location and direction of blood vessels are unknown, making it challenging to position the ultrasound probe for oblique transmitted ultrasound waves.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a Fiber-Optic RealShape (FORS) sensor with an ultrasound probe to reconstruct the shape and position of blood vessels, allowing for enhanced Doppler ultrasound measurements by estimating a parametric relationship between fluid flow and ultrasound beam transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound waves are transmitted oblique to blood flow direction for optimal Doppler measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in positioning the probe correctly in complex vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback by using the FORS sensor to continuously monitor the actual shape and position of the catheter within the blood vessel. This shape information is fed back to the ultrasound system to dynamically adjust the beam orientation and maintain optimal oblique angles relative to blood flow, thereby preserving measurement precision while eliminating the need for manual positioning expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning of the ultrasound probe with an automated optical sensing system. Instead of relying on operator skill to physically position the probe at correct angles, the system uses FORS (Fiber-Optic RealShape) sensing to detect catheter shape and automatically calculates and applies the necessary beam orientation adjustments, substituting mechanical positioning with optical measurement and computational control.
2Measurement precision
If the ultrasound probe is manually positioned to achieve oblique transmission, then Doppler measurement quality improves, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise manual positioning skills
Solution Approach 1:
The FORS sensor acts as an intermediary between the ultrasound system and the blood vessel anatomy. Rather than requiring direct manual positioning of the ultrasound probe, the FORS sensor first measures the catheter shape and position, then this intermediate information is used by the ultrasound system to automatically determine optimal beam orientations, thereby simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning through automated beam orientation adjustment based on FORS shape data. The ultrasound system automatically calculates and applies the correct transmission angles relative to the detected blood vessel geometry, eliminating the need for external manual positioning intervention and reducing the operational complexity burden on the user.
3Ease of operation
If FORS sensor is integrated to provide real-time shape data, then ease of operation improves through automated positioning, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the FORS shape sensing capability with the ultrasound imaging system into a single integrated platform. The FORS sensor, ultrasound transducer, and control system are combined into one cohesive device that simultaneously performs shape measurement and Doppler imaging, allowing automated positioning without requiring separate standalone sensors or complex external positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions: the FORS sensor not only provides shape data for automated positioning but also contributes to overall system navigation and monitoring. The ultrasound system simultaneously performs anatomical imaging and Doppler flow measurement while utilizing the same shape information for beam orientation, creating a multi-functional platform that justifies the added sensor integration through enhanced operational capability.
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
Enables improved Doppler measurements by optimizing ultrasound transmission angles based on vessel shape and flow direction, resulting in enhanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities for blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-cored optical fiber structurally configured under the principle of Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) for extracting high density strain measurements of the optical fiber derived from light emitted into and propagated through the optical fiber and reflected back within the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a characteristic backscatter of the optical fiber (e.g., Rayleigh backscatter)
Implementation Method 3
ultrasound waves continuously or intermittently transmitted into the body hit blood cells of the vasculature in motion whereby the pitch of the reflected sound waves changes (i.e., Doppler effect)
Data Source
AI summary
A Doppler ultrasound system for executing Doppler ultrasound tests. The Doppler ultrasound system employs an ultrasound probe (40), a vessel FORS sensor (20) and a Doppler ultrasound controller (60). In operation, an ultrasound probe (40) transmits an ultrasound beam through a bodily vessel (e.g., a blood vessel) for generating imaging data illustrative of an ultrasound image of fluid flow through the bodily vessel (e.g., blood flow through a blood vessel), and the vessel FORS sensor (20) is introduced into the bodily vessel for generating vessel sensing data informative of a reconstructed shape of the vessel FORS sensor (20) within the bodily vessel relative to the ultrasound probe (40). Responsive to the data, the Doppler ultrasound controller (60) estimates a parametric relationship between the fluid flow through the bodily vessel and a transmission by the ultrasound probe (40) of the ultrasound beam through the bodily vessel.