HIFU Combined Head with Rotating Imaging Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) systems face challenges in accurately targeting and treating deep tissue due to limitations in imaging capabilities, discomfort caused by sustained energy delivery, and inefficiencies in maintaining water contact for effective energy transmission, leading to potential tissue damage and prolonged treatment times.
Innovation Solution
A combined head system featuring a rotatable and movable imaging transducer independent of the therapeutic transducer, allowing for three-dimensional scanning and precise targeting, along with a multidirectional motion apparatus and vacuum degasser for maintaining fluid contact, enables precise HIFU treatment with reduced discomfort through short, intense energy bursts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed imaging transducer is used in conventional HIFU systems, then the system structure is simple, but the imaging capability is limited and cannot achieve precise three-dimensional targeting of deep tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging transducer is made independently rotatable and movable relative to the therapeutic transducer, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one. This allows the imaging transducer to scan the target tissue from multiple angles and positions, achieving three-dimensional imaging capability and precise localization of deep tissue targets while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Productivity
If sustained ultrasound energy is delivered to treat deep tissue, then the treatment coverage is sufficient, but patient discomfort increases and treatment time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The HIFU system delivers ultrasound energy in periodic pulses rather than continuous sustained energy. This pulsed delivery method allows for brief intervals between energy bursts, reducing cumulative thermal effects and patient discomfort while maintaining effective treatment coverage through repeated targeting of the same or adjacent focal points.
3Reliability
If water contact is not maintained between transducer and skin, then the system operation is simpler, but energy transmission efficiency decreases and tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The independently movable imaging transducer provides real-time imaging feedback during treatment, allowing the system to monitor the position of the therapeutic transducer relative to the target tissue and the water contact interface. This feedback mechanism ensures that water coupling is maintained throughout the treatment process, guaranteeing reliable energy transmission without requiring complex manual intervention to adjust water contact.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging transducer is fixed relative to the therapeutic transducer, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to scan and target deep tissue from multiple angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer assembly is segmented into two independent functional units: the therapeutic transducer for HIFU delivery and the imaging transducer for scanning and visualization. This segmentation allows the imaging transducer to rotate and move independently to scan the target from multiple angles, providing versatile three-dimensional imaging capability while keeping each individual transducer unit relatively simple in structure.
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 system allows for accurate, efficient, and minimally invasive HIFU treatment with reduced discomfort by enabling precise targeting and real-time monitoring, minimizing tissue damage and shortening treatment duration.
Implementation Method 1
In most systems, ultrasonic waves are generated by a piezoelectric material converting electrical energy to mechanical vibration and vice-versa
Implementation Method 2
When vibration is induced on a piezoelectric material, an alternating voltage is produced between two surfaces of this material
Implementation Method 3
a 1 MHz ultrasonic wave of the same amplitude as a 1 KHz acoustic wave transmits 100 times the energy
Data Source
AI summary
The system comprises a therapeutic bed, a chamber, a combined head, a motional apparatus, a therapeutic power source, an imaging power source, a vacuum degassor, and a controller. The therapeutic transducer, the imaging transducer, and a rotator, together form the combined head. The combined head may also include an actuator. The rotator and actuator move the imaging transducer relative to the therapeutic transducer. The therapeutic transducer produces high intensity focused ultrasound, and treats target tissue in the body.