HIFU Probe Inclining Angle for Ultrasound Interference Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic ultrasound systems are inadequate for precise real-time positioning of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices in vivo due to limitations in distinguishing ablated regions, potential damage to surrounding tissues, interference issues, and inability to monitor ablation processes effectively, especially when tumor tissues shift or require precise removal.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive positioning system combining a diagnostic ultrasound device, a HIFU device, and an image display device, where the diagnostic ultrasound probe's geometric axis is non-parallel to the HIFU probe's axis at an inclining angle of 85 to 160 degrees, allowing for real-time detection and alignment of tumor tissues for precise ablation without the need for MRI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional diagnostic ultrasound is used to position HIFU focus, then the system complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of focus positioning deteriorate due to limited image quality and inability to distinguish ablated regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines diagnostic ultrasound device and HIFU device into an integrated system where the diagnostic ultrasound probe and HIFU probe work together. The diagnostic ultrasound device provides real-time imaging while the HIFU device performs ablation, and their integration allows for precise focus positioning without requiring separate complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inclining angle (85-160 degrees) between the geometric axis of the diagnostic ultrasound probe and the geometric axis of the HIFU probe as an intermediary parameter. This angular relationship serves as a mediator that enables the diagnostic ultrasound to accurately locate the HIFU focus by creating an optimized geometric configuration for cross-validation of position data.
2Ease of operation
If conventional diagnostic ultrasound is used for real-time monitoring, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of monitoring deteriorates due to HIFU interference on ultrasound images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the inclining angle between the diagnostic ultrasound probe and HIFU probe during the procedure. By dynamically optimizing the angular relationship, the system maintains reliable monitoring capability even as tissue conditions change during ablation, allowing real-time adaptation to interference patterns.
3Productivity
If HIFU is used to ablate tumor tissues, then therapeutic effect is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to potential damage to surrounding normal tissues from overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the diagnostic ultrasound device continuously monitors the ablation process in real-time. By maintaining an optimized inclining angle between the probes, the system provides continuous feedback on tissue response, allowing adjustment of HIFU parameters to achieve effective tumor ablation while preventing overheating and damage to surrounding normal tissues.
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 precise, real-time positioning and ablation of tumor tissues while minimizing damage to normal tissues, reducing the need for expensive MRI technology and facilitating efficient treatment without the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a diagnostic ultrasound device used for primarily detecting and estimating a location of a tumor tissue in vivo
Implementation Method 2
HIFU can induce coagulative necrosis on tumor tissues by thermal ablation
Implementation Method 3
HIFU can induce coagulative necrosis on tumor tissues by thermal ablation
Implementation Method 4
a geometric axis of the diagnostic ultrasound probe is substantially non-parallel with a geometric axis of a probe of the HIFU device, and an inclining angle between the geometric axes of the probes of the diagnostic ultrasound device and the geometric axes of the probes of the HIFU device preferably has a range from 85 degrees to 160 degrees
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive positioning system for determining the focus location of a HIFU device comprises a diagnostic ultrasound and the HIFU for ablating and removing tumor tissue. The imaging plane of the diagnostic ultrasound probe and the geometrical axis of a probe of the HIFU define an inclining angle during operation. When the imaging plane of the diagnostic ultrasound intersected to the focus of the HIFU transducer, a maximal convergent interference signals was obtained, so as to position the HIFU focus within tumors for precise ablation.