Heated Ultrasound Coupling Layer for Microvascular Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging devices face challenges in improving image quality, particularly for microvascular imaging, due to temperature-dependent vasoconstriction and blood flow reduction at cold body parts like fingers and toes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heating device to elevate the temperature of the imaging object during image acquisition, using heat sinks, Peltier modules, serpentine metal resistors, or thermoelectric polymers to manage heat dissipation and enhance acoustic coupling, and employing activatable polymers to adjust mechanical properties for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a heating device is added to improve image quality by counteracting temperature-related issues, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is integrated into the ultrasound imaging device, combining the heating function with the existing imaging system. This merging approach allows the heating function to be added without requiring a completely separate system, thereby improving image quality while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device serves multiple purposes: it warms the object to improve blood flow and image quality, and can be integrated with the acoustic coupling layer to provide both thermal and acoustic functions. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to address multiple requirements, improving image quality while minimizing the addition of separate components.
2Measurement precision
If activatable polymer materials are used to optimize acoustic coupling and mechanical protection, then acoustic coupling improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activatable polymer material changes its physical parameters (such as viscosity or elasticity) in response to external stimuli like temperature changes. During imaging, the polymer becomes softer to improve acoustic coupling with the skin, and returns to a harder state between imaging sessions for mechanical protection. This parameter change capability allows the same material to provide different functions under different conditions, improving acoustic coupling without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic coupling layer transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can adapt its properties based on operational conditions. The activatable polymer allows the coupling layer to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties during imaging versus non-imaging phases, providing optimal acoustic coupling when needed and mechanical protection when not in use, thereby improving performance while avoiding the need for complex multi-component systems.
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 heating mechanism increases image quality by counteracting temperature-related issues, while activatable polymers optimize acoustic coupling and mechanical protection, resulting in enhanced imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device adapted to heating an object to be imaged arranged on the acoustic coupling layer during a phase of acquisition of an ultrasound image
Implementation Method 2
the heating device comprises a flexible Peltier module, having a cold surface facing the electronic power supply and control circuit, and having a hot surface facing the object to be imaged
Implementation Method 3
the heating device comprises a heating mat comprising a serpentine metal resistor, arranged between the assembly of ultrasound transducers and the object to be imaged
Implementation Method 4
The electronic control circuit is configured to apply electric excitation signals to the transducers, to cause the emission of ultrasound waves by the transducers
Data Source
AI summary
The present description concerns an ultrasound imaging device (100) comprising an assembly (101) of ultrasound transducers, an acoustic coupling layer (140) coating said assembly (101) of ultrasound transducers, and a heating device (150) adapted to heating an object to be imaged arranged on the acoustic coupling layer (140) during a phase of acquisition of an ultrasound image.