HIFU Probe with Segmented Converter Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound treatment devices face challenges in achieving high resolution imaging and effective HIFU treatment due to limitations in converter aperture and frequency response, leading to adverse effects on normal tissues and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of image converters and HIFU converters with different frequency response characteristics on a single probe assembly, arranged in concentric circles to maximize aperture and minimize grating lobe influence, allowing for precise energy focusing and high-resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single probe assembly uses general-purpose converters for both imaging and HIFU treatment, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and frequency response characteristics deteriorate due to inability to optimize for specific frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is segmented into distinct imaging converter groups and HIFU converter groups, each optimized for their specific frequency bands. Image converters operate at higher frequencies (e.g., 3-5 MHz) while HIFU converters operate at lower frequencies (e.g., 1-1.5 MHz), allowing each group to be manufactured with specialized frequency response characteristics without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly achieves multi-functionality by integrating both imaging and HIFU treatment capabilities in a single device. The controller coordinates multiple converter groups to perform different functions (imaging and treatment) simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating the need for separate devices while maintaining specialized performance for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If converters for imaging and HIFU are placed in the same probe assembly, then integration is achieved, but aperture size is reduced leading to low image resolution and adverse effects on normal tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly utilizes a two-dimensional circular arrangement of converters on the probe surface. Imaging converters and HIFU converters are distributed across different radial positions and angles, forming concentric circular patterns. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows each converter group to achieve sufficient aperture size while maintaining integration in a single probe assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly employs asymmetric distribution of converter groups with different aperture characteristics. Imaging converter groups are arranged to optimize lateral resolution for their specific frequency band, while HIFU converter groups are arranged to optimize focal concentration for treatment. Each group maintains its optimized aperture size despite coexistence in the same probe assembly
3Power
If high intensity ultrasound energy is focused on the target, then HIFU treatment effectiveness is improved, but normal tissues may be damaged due to necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time ultrasound imaging feedback to monitor the focal point position and tissue response during HIFU treatment. The controller continuously adjusts the HIFU converter activation and power levels based on imaging feedback, ensuring that high-intensity energy is precisely delivered only to the intended target while immediately detecting and avoiding damage to adjacent normal tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly delivers high-intensity ultrasound energy locally only to the specific focal point within the target tissue, while other regions receive minimal or no energy. The HIFU converter groups are selectively activated to concentrate energy at the precise treatment location, and the imaging converters monitor to ensure the focal point remains confined to the lesion area, preventing widespread tissue necrosis
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
This configuration enhances lateral direction resolution, ensures accurate targeting of lesion tissues without damaging normal tissues, and improves the effectiveness of HIFU treatment by using suitable frequency bands for each purpose.
Implementation Method 1
transmit ultrasound signals to a target and receive the signals reflected from the target to create an ultrasound image
Implementation Method 2
transmit ultrasound signals to the target to generate heat energy, thereby treating the tissue within a focusing area
Implementation Method 3
The effect of too high temperature (65-100°C), the cavitation effect, the mechanical effect and the sonochemical effect generated from the focal point
Implementation Method 4
focusing ultrasound energy on one point (focal point) to necrotize the lesion tissue by heat (thermal coagulation)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ultrasound treatment device for HIFU and an ultrasound image, and to a control method therefor. The ultrasound treatment device comprises: a plurality of image converters disposed on one surface of a probe assembly to transmit ultrasound signals to a target and receive signals reflected by the target to create an ultrasound image; a plurality of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) converters disposed on the surface of the probe assembly so as to be located in different positions from the image converters, wherein the HIFU converters transmit ultrasound signals to a target to generate heat energy, thereby treating a tissue within a focusing area; and a control unit performing control such that the difference between apertures of converter arrays constituted by the image converters and the HIFU converters, respectively, is less than a predetermined value.