Forward-Looking IVUS Catheter Using Piezoelectric Composite Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) devices struggle to provide forward-looking images due to mechanical complexity and the inability to create small, durable transducer arrays capable of producing and receiving strong ultrasonic signals, making it difficult to navigate and diagnose blockages in blood vessels, especially in small arteries.
Innovation Solution
A forward-looking IVUS device with a piezoelectric ceramic/polymer composite array located at the distal end of a catheter, designed to produce and receive ultrasonic signals without moving parts, allowing for electronic beam steering and imaging in a forward direction, reducing the need for bulky electronics and enabling smaller catheter diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning mechanisms are used to produce forward-looking IVUS images, then forward imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning mechanisms with an electronic beam steering approach. The transducer array is fixed in a forward-looking orientation, and electronic control of the piezoelectric elements enables dynamic beam steering without mechanical movement. This eliminates complex mechanical scanning components while maintaining forward imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple independent piezoelectric transducer elements arranged in an array. Each element can be independently controlled to emit and receive ultrasonic signals, enabling electronic beam steering and forming images without mechanical scanning. This segmentation allows flexible electronic control of the imaging beam.
2Ease of operation
If small-diameter catheters are used for intravascular imaging, then ease of navigation through vessels is improved, but transducer array fabrication becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric ceramic/polymer composite materials for the transducer array. This composite structure combines the high piezoelectric coefficient of ceramic materials with the flexibility and processability of polymer matrices, enabling the formation of small-diameter catheters while maintaining durable and manufacturable transducer arrays. The composite material allows miniaturization without sacrificing mechanical strength or electrical performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional piezoelectric materials are used in small arrays, then forward-looking imaging is enabled, but signal strength and sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses piezoelectric ceramic/polymer composite materials that combine high piezoelectric coefficients with excellent acoustic coupling properties. This composite structure enhances both the transmission and reception of ultrasonic signals, improving signal strength and sensitivity in the forward-looking imaging application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the operating frequency and array configuration parameters to maximize signal strength. By carefully selecting the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric elements and adjusting the array geometry, the system achieves enhanced signal generation and reception capabilities for small-diameter catheters.
4Stability of the object's composition
If side-looking IVUS transducers are positioned at forty-five degree angles, then conventional imaging geometry is maintained, but forward-looking view is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric transducer array configuration where the element arrangement and beam steering capabilities are optimized for forward-looking imaging. The non-uniform distribution and directional control of piezoelectric elements enable the system to break from conventional symmetric side-looking geometry and achieve superior forward visualization 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 clear forward imaging of blood vessels, improving navigation and diagnosis of vascular diseases like PAD and coronary artery disease, with no blind spots and reduced mechanical complexity, facilitating more precise and effective therapeutic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A forward-looking IVUS device with a piezoelectric ceramic/polymer composite array located at the distal end of a catheter, designed to produce and receive ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 2
designed to produce and receive ultrasonic signals without moving parts
Data Source
AI summary
An intraluminal forward-looking image producing device and associated methods of use and construction is disclosed. In particular, the device of the present invention is an intraluminal forward-looking intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image producing device. The invention also encompasses methods of using the intraluminal forward-looking intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image producing device to image objects and material in a forward direction. The disclosed methods also involve manufacturing the intraluminal forward-looking intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image producing device including the piezoelectric transducer. The resulting device is an elongated body configured to fit within the lumen of a vessel and having an imaging sensor located on the distal end of the elongated body configured to image objects and material in a forward direction. The method further involves inserting the intraluminal forward-looking intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image producing device into a lumen of a vessel, and imaging objects or material in a forward direction. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful in vascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures when the vessel has been completely blocked by plaque and imaging of the occlusion is required.