Frequency-Tunable Intraluminal Ultrasound Transducer Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) devices require separate imaging and therapeutic devices, leading to time-consuming and risky multiple insertions and withdrawals, increasing the risk of blood vessel damage during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An intraluminal ultrasound device with a transducer array that can operate at different frequency ranges for both imaging and therapy, using a single device to obtain ultrasound imaging data and apply therapy by switching between imaging and therapeutic modes with distinct electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate imaging and therapeutic ultrasound devices are used, then imaging quality and therapeutic effectiveness are improved, but procedural time increases and risk of blood vessel damage increases due to multiple insertions and withdrawals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate imaging and therapeutic ultrasound devices into a single integrated intravascular device. The device includes both imaging transducers and therapeutic transducers within one catheter assembly, allowing both functions to be performed through a single insertion. This merging eliminates the need for multiple device insertions and withdrawals, reducing procedural time and minimizing blood vessel trauma while maintaining both imaging quality and therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The intravascular device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both imaging and therapy. The device includes imaging transducers for obtaining ultrasound images and therapeutic transducers for delivering ultrasound energy to treat vascular lesions. This universal design allows a single device to fulfill multiple roles that previously required separate specialized devices, improving workflow efficiency and patient safety
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging and therapeutic ultrasound devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but device complexity and procedural steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs segmentation by dividing the transducer array into distinct imaging and therapeutic sections. Each section contains specialized transducers optimized for its specific function - imaging transducers for high-resolution visualization and therapeutic transducers for focused ultrasound delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized while maintaining overall device integration, managing complexity through functional modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure utilizes a nested arrangement where imaging and therapeutic transducers are positioned concentrically or in adjacent layers within the same catheter shaft. The imaging transducers may be positioned in an inner array while therapeutic transducers are arranged in an outer array, or vice versa. This nested configuration allows both functional systems to coexist within a single device envelope, achieving functional versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If multiple devices are inserted and withdrawn, then comprehensive imaging and therapy can be provided, but the risk of blood vessel damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging imaging and therapeutic capabilities into a single intravascular device, the patent eliminates the need for repeated insertions and withdrawals of separate devices. The single-device approach maintains comprehensive imaging and therapy effectiveness while significantly reducing mechanical trauma to the blood vessel wall that would otherwise result from multiple device introductions and removals
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary imaging assessment before therapeutic intervention within the same procedural sequence. The imaging transducers first characterize the vascular lesion and plan the treatment approach, then the therapeutic transducers deliver focused ultrasound energy to the same target. This preliminary action within a single continuous procedure eliminates the need to withdraw and reinsert devices between diagnostic and therapeutic phases, reducing blood vessel exposure to mechanical stress
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 simultaneous imaging and therapy, reducing procedural time and minimizing the risk of blood vessel damage by allowing a single device to perform both functions without multiple insertions and withdrawals.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the subarrays includes a plurality of micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs). The transducer array is configured to obtain ultrasound imaging data in response to a first electrical signal and to apply an ultrasound therapy in response to a second electrical signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Intraluminal ultrasound devices, systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an intraluminal ultrasound device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member including a distal portion and a longitudinal axis; and a transducer array disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and circumferentially positioned around the longitudinal axis of the flexible elongate member. The transducer array includes a plurality of micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs). In addition, the transducer array is configured to obtain ultrasound imaging data of the body lumen in response to a first electrical signal, and apply an ultrasound therapy within the body lumen in response to a second electrical signal.