HIFU Therapeutic Device Real-Time Interference Image Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HIFU treatments face challenges in non-invasive, immediate control of treatment effectiveness and focal point positioning due to interference from ultrasound waves, requiring interruption of the power beam for observation, which is inefficient and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic device with an integrated acoustic transducer and echographic probe that analyzes interference images in real-time for changes in brightness, allowing continuous monitoring of treatment effectiveness without interrupting the power beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used to monitor HIFU treatment, then treatment effectiveness can be observed, but the power beam causes strong interference that masks the target area and requires interruption of treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful acoustic interference pattern into a useful monitoring tool by analyzing the interference image structure. The interference pattern, which previously masked the target area, now provides information about treatment effectiveness through brightness changes and structural variations in the interference images, allowing continuous monitoring without interrupting the power beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the interference pattern itself as the monitoring medium. Instead of trying to see through the interference or stopping the beam to observe the target, the system uses the interference image characteristics (brightness, structure) as an indirect indicator of treatment effectiveness, enabling continuous monitoring during power beam emission.
2Measurement precision
If the power beam is interrupted to observe hyperechoic spots, then focal point positioning can be verified, but treatment continuity is broken and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous observation of treatment effectiveness and focal point positioning by analyzing interference images during uninterrupted power beam emission. The system processes interference image sequences to detect brightness changes and structural variations that indicate hyperechoic spot formation and coagulation progression, eliminating the need to interrupt treatment for verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously analyzing interference image characteristics during power beam emission. The system detects changes in interference pattern brightness and structure that correlate with treatment effectiveness and focal point positioning, providing immediate feedback without interrupting the treatment process.
3Measurement precision
If MRI is used for temperature measurement, then accurate temperature data is obtained, but the method is cumbersome, expensive, and has slow reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex MRI equipment with a simpler, more affordable ultrasound-based interference image analysis system. The method uses readily available ultrasound transducers and imaging systems, processing the interference patterns they generate during HIFU treatment to infer temperature and treatment effectiveness, providing a cost-effective alternative to MRI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex MRI magnetic resonance system with a simpler acoustic-based ultrasound interference analysis system. By analyzing the interference patterns generated by the ultrasound waves themselves, the system achieves temperature and effectiveness monitoring without requiring sophisticated magnetic resonance equipment.
4Manufacturing precision
If ultrasound energy is increased to improve coagulation, then treatment effectiveness increases, but surrounding tissues may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control by continuously analyzing interference image brightness and structure during power beam emission. The system detects changes that indicate coagulation effectiveness and focal point positioning accuracy, allowing dynamic adjustment of power levels to maintain effective coagulation while preventing damage to surrounding tissues through immediate detection of treatment effects.
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 real-time, non-invasive, and cost-effective monitoring of treatment effectiveness by analyzing interference images, ensuring precise control of acoustic energy delivery and reducing tissue damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound transducer emits powerful acoustic waves focused into a tissue target. These waves are absorbed by the tissue, which causes a rise in temperature of the tissue in the focal zone and coagulation of the target.
Implementation Method 2
These waves are absorbed by the tissue, which causes a rise in temperature of the tissue in the focal zone and coagulation of the target.
Implementation Method 3
an echographic probe, able to emit waves to provide an imaged representation of the target and its environment
Implementation Method 4
there is a balloon filled with a gel or a liquid capable of transmitting ultrasound
Implementation Method 5
The rise in temperature of the target depends on several factors: the power emission of the transducer, the transmission of the beam to the target - and in particular the coupling between the transducer and the tissue via for example the skin
Implementation Method 6
a display device capable of displaying the images taken by the probe, namely rest images taken before and/or after emission of the power waves and interference images, taken during the emission of the waves of power
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Device for therapeutic treatment, comprising: an acoustic transducer (1) designed to emit power waves towards a target in order to treat the latter, the power waves having a focal point; an imaging probe (2), such as an echography probe, designed to emit waves for providing an image representation of the target and of its environment before, during and after the emission of the power waves issuing from the transducer (1), said probe and said transducer being integrally connected to each other; and a display device (21, 22) designed to display the images taken by the probe (2), namely images at rest, taken before and/or after emission of the power waves, and interference images, taken during the emission of the power waves, the focal point of the power waves being situated in the image taken by the probe, characterized in that it additionally comprises detection means (150) for detecting a change of structure of the interference images that is indicative of the efficacy of the power waves (Fu).