Imaging Probe Fluid Pressurization for Bubble-Free Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging probes are limited by their size and rigidity, making it difficult to reach certain anatomical locations, and they are compromised by being inserted over a guidewire, which restricts the use of delivery catheters, necessitating the development of smaller and more flexible probes with compatible delivery devices.
Innovation Solution
The imaging system includes an imaging probe with an elongate shaft, a rotatable optical core, an optical assembly, and a damping fluid with a fluid pressurization element to reduce bubble formation and non-uniform rotation, using non-Newtonian fluids and shear-thinning fluids to maintain uniform rotation and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If imaging probes are made smaller and more flexible to reach certain anatomical locations, then accessibility to target areas is improved, but structural stability and rotation uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid pressurization element that introduces damping fluid into the space between the optical core and the elongate shaft. This hydraulic system uses fluid pressure to dampen non-uniform rotation, with the fluid absorbing mechanical shocks and vibrations that would otherwise cause rotation instability in the miniaturized probe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the damping fluid by adjusting its viscosity and pressure characteristics. The fluid pressurization element modifies the pressure parameter of the damping fluid dynamically, allowing the system to maintain rotation uniformity across varying operational conditions while keeping the probe structure small and flexible.
2Stability of the object's composition
If damping fluid is used to reduce non-uniform rotation, then rotation uniformity is improved, but bubble formation increases which degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pressurization element creates a pressurized hydraulic environment that prevents bubble nucleation and growth in the damping fluid. By maintaining positive fluid pressure throughout the damping chamber, the system eliminates the vacuum conditions that would otherwise cause cavitation and bubble formation, thereby preserving both rotation uniformity and optical clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter of the damping fluid to operate above the cavitation threshold. By changing the pressure parameter from atmospheric to pressurized conditions, the fluid remains in a stable liquid state without bubble formation, while still providing the necessary damping effect for uniform rotation.
3Measurement precision
If fluid pressurization is applied to reduce bubbles, then image quality is improved, but fluid leakage and pressure control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pressurization element is designed to be self-regulating, where the rotation of the optical core itself drives the pressurization mechanism. As the optical core rotates, it compresses the damping fluid in a controlled manner, automatically maintaining pressure without requiring external control systems. This self-service approach eliminates complex pressure regulation electronics and reduces the risk of fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping fluid acts as an intermediary medium that couples the mechanical rotation of the optical core with the pressurization function. Instead of using a separate mechanical pump or electronic pressure control system, the fluid itself transmits the mechanical energy from rotation to pressure generation, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining effective bubble suppression.
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 system achieves reduced bubble formation and non-uniform rotation, enabling high-quality imaging in challenging anatomical locations, particularly in neurological vessels, by using fluid pressurization to manage bubble presence and rotation uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a damping fluid positioned between the elongate shaft and the rotatable optical core and configured to reduce non-uniform rotation of the optical assembly
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pressurization element configured to increase the pressure of the damping fluid to reduce the presence of bubbles proximate the optical assembly
Implementation Method 3
using non-Newtonian fluids and shear-thinning fluids to maintain uniform rotation and improve image quality
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for a patient comprises an imaging probe. The imaging probe comprises: an elongate shaft for insertion into the patient and comprising a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion; a rotatable optical core comprising a proximal end and a distal end, and at least a portion of the rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft; an optical assembly positioned proximate the distal end of the rotatable optical core, the optical assembly configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue; a damping fluid positioned between the elongate shaft and the rotatable optical core and configured to reduce non-uniform rotation of the optical assembly; and a fluid pressurization element configured to increase the pressure of the damping fluid to reduce the presence of bubbles proximate the optical assembly.