Ultrasound Coupling Liquid with Alcohol for HIFU
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound coupling liquids suffer from significant ultrasound wave reflection at the boundary with the skin or cover member, leading to reduced transmission efficiency and potential bacterial or algal growth, especially during high-energy treatments like HIFU.
Innovation Solution
A coupling liquid comprising a hydrophilic polymer with an average molecular mass of 30,000 to 75,000 and an alcohol with 1 to 7 carbon atoms, which reduces wave reflection and inhibits microbial growth, along with a container featuring a high thermal conductivity wall to enhance cooling efficiency and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling liquid is used for ultrasound treatment, then proper transmission of ultrasound waves is ensured, but bubbles are formed by cavitation effect when high ultrasound energies are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the coupling liquid by adding alcohol with 1-7 carbon atoms to the hydrophilic polymer solution. This parameter change modifies the liquid's acoustic properties to reduce cavitation bubble formation while maintaining ultrasound wave transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coupling liquid system by combining hydrophilic polymer and alcohol in specific concentrations. This composite formulation synergistically reduces cavitation effects while preserving the coupling liquid's primary function of transmitting ultrasound waves from the transducer to the skin.
2Reliability
If alcohol is added to reduce ultrasound wave reflection, then transmission efficiency improves, but the liquid becomes more prone to bacterial and algal growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the alcohol concentration parameter within specific ranges (1-7 carbon atoms, with preferred embodiments specifying 2-6 carbon atoms and 5-20% by weight) to achieve a balance between reducing ultrasound reflection and preventing microbial growth. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal concentration window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different alcohol concentrations at different stages: higher concentrations (5-20%) during storage to prevent microbial growth, and optimized concentrations during application to minimize ultrasound reflection. The formulation allows different functional requirements to be met by the same component at different concentrations.
3Temperature
If the coupling liquid is constantly cycled through cooling means, then cooling efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coupling liquid multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as an ultrasound coupling medium and as a cooling fluid. The alcohol-containing formulation allows the liquid to be pumped through cooling circuits without compromising its coupling properties, thus one substance performs multiple functions and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling liquid function and cooling fluid function into a single integrated system. Instead of requiring separate coupling gel and cooling fluid systems, the alcohol-modified coupling liquid serves both purposes, simplifying the device architecture while maintaining effective cooling through constant circulation.
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 significantly reduces ultrasound wave reflections, shifts the focal point deeper into the body, prevents bacterial and algal growth, and allows for efficient cooling below 0°C, improving the transmission and safety of ultrasound treatments.
Implementation Method 1
at the boundary between the coupling liquid and the cover member and/or skin of the patient, a certain amount of ultrasound waves are reflected due to the different refraction indexes of the materials
Implementation Method 2
as some of the used polymers are of organic nature, bacterial and algal growth might occur, thus making a sterilization of the liquid necessary
Implementation Method 3
a container featuring a high thermal conductivity wall to enhance cooling efficiency and prevent contamination
Implementation Method 4
when high ultrasound energies are used, e.g. in a HIFU treatment, bubbles are formed in the liquid by a cavitation effect
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling liquid for ultrasound devices, preferably high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The coupling liquid comprises a liquid aqueous solution of at least one hydrophilic polymer having an average molecular mass of between 30,000 and 70,000 and at least one alcohol with a carbon chain of 1 to 7 carbon atoms. Also disclosed is a container (10) for an ultrasound coupling liquid having a thin wall.