Forward-Sideward Transducer Assembly for Real-Time Ablation Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasound transducer assemblies in RF catheters for cardiac ablation procedures are adversely affected by the flexible substrate, leading to suboptimal performance and lack of real-time feedback on lesion development, which can result in incomplete ablation or tissue overheating.

Innovation Solution

A transducer assembly is designed with piezoelectric elements embedded in flexible foil openings, separated from the flexible foil material, and integrated with conductive layers and backing materials to enhance acoustic performance and provide real-time lesion feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If piezoelectric elements are attached directly to a flexible substrate, then the transducer assembly can be made flexible and minimally invasive, but the flexible substrate produces acoustical effects that adversely affect transducer element performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of transducer assemblyVSAvoidacoustical performance of transducer elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A matching layer is introduced as an intermediary between the piezoelectric elements and the flexible substrate. This matching layer has acoustic impedance properties that bridge the gap between the rigid piezoelectric material and the flexible substrate, reducing acoustical interference while maintaining flexibility. The matching layer acts as a mediator that allows both the flexibility and reliable acoustic performance to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the flexible substrate is part of the material stack forming the transducer assembly, then the assembly can be manufactured as an integrated structure, but the flexible foil influences the acoustical performance of the transducer elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated structure of transducer assemblyVSAvoidacoustical performance independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The matching layer is applied locally at the interface between the piezoelectric elements and the flexible substrate, specifically where acoustic transmission occurs. This localized treatment addresses the acoustical interference problem at the critical interface without requiring changes to the entire flexible substrate or manufacturing process, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If sequential point by point ablation is performed with single-point ablation catheters, then complete electrical isolation can be achieved, but real-time feedback on lesion development and depth is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of electrical isolationVSAvoidreal-time lesion progression information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasound transducer elements provide real-time feedback during the ablation process by imaging the lesion formation. This feedback loop allows the operator to monitor lesion depth and progression continuously, adjusting the ablation parameters to ensure complete electrical isolation while preventing overheating. The feedback mechanism eliminates the information loss about lesion development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If high-frequency ultrasound is used to monitor lesion boundary progression, then real-time feedback is enabled, but the flexible substrate interferes with the ultrasound signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelesion boundary monitoring accuracyVSAvoidacoustical interference from flexible foil

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The matching layer serves as an acoustical intermediary that improves ultrasound signal transmission between the piezoelectric elements and the tissue. By reducing the acoustical interference from the flexible substrate, the matching layer enhances the quality of high-frequency ultrasound signals used for monitoring lesion boundaries, thereby improving measurement precision without the harmful acoustical effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures independent acoustic performance of the piezoelectric elements, allowing for precise real-time monitoring of lesion progression during RF ablation, reducing the risk of incomplete ablation or tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

one or more piezoelectric elements contained into the openings and fastened to the internal rim of the openings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Embedding ultrasound transducers in ablation catheters enables real-time feedback on lesion front progression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12369888B2Medical device with forward and sideward ablation monitoring ultrasound transducers

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

The invention relates to ultrasound imaging method and apparatus suitable for minimally invasive ultrasound diagnostic devices in cardiac ablation monitoring and in tumor ablation monitoring. The present invention proposes an assembly of forward and side-facing transducers and a system of embedded forward and side-facing transducers in apertures on surfaces of the assembly. This provides control of the acoustic properties of the transducer and improved ablation monitoring when the assembly is incorporated in a medical device.