Integrated Ultrasound and Optical Imaging Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic ultrasound probes require the time-consuming process of feeding an ultrasound mini-probe through a channel, which obstructs light and view, and may not allow visualization beyond the probe, necessitating a more efficient and unobstructed imaging solution.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound imaging probe with a housing that integrates a transducer array, illumination component, and optical imaging component, allowing simultaneous acquisition and display of both ultrasound and optical images without the need to feed the probe through a channel, by housing these components within an elongated structure with a handle and tip region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an ultrasound mini-probe is fed through a channel in the endoscopic probe, then ultrasound imaging capability is achieved, but the probe obstructs light and view, and the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ultrasound transducer array, illumination component, and optical imaging component into a single integrated endocavitary probe head. This merging eliminates the need to feed a separate ultrasound mini-probe through a channel, as both imaging modalities are now housed together in one device, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining dual imaging capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated probe head serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs both optical imaging (via the optical imaging component) and ultrasound imaging (via the transducer array), while also providing illumination. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what previously required multiple separate probes and procedures, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an ultrasound mini-probe protrudes from the distal end, then ultrasound imaging is enabled, but visualization beyond the probe is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidvisual information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the optical imaging component and ultrasound transducer array into the same integrated probe head, the patent enables both imaging modalities to operate from the same position without one obstructing the other. The optical imaging component captures visual information while the ultrasound transducer array performs ultrasound imaging, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both types of data without obstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate ultrasound mini-probe is used, then ultrasound imaging is achieved, but additional time and hands are required for operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidprocedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ultrasound transducer array with the endoscopic probe components into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for a separate feeding operation of an ultrasound mini-probe through a channel, allowing the procedure to be performed with a single instrument insertion and reducing the time and manual operations required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated probe head provides multiple imaging functions (optical and ultrasound) in a single device, allowing both imaging modalities to be activated and operated simultaneously through a single probe insertion, thereby improving procedural efficiency and reducing the need for multiple separate operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces procedure complexity and time, improves patient comfort by minimizing inserted instruments, and allows for accurate, unobstructed imaging of tissue, enabling simultaneous collection of video and ultrasound images.

Implementation Method 1

The transducer array transmits an ultrasound signal into a field of view and receives echoes produced in response to the signal interacting with structure therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

The field of view is illuminated by light from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

acquiring optical data of a field of view in the cavity with the optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11583251B2US imaging probe with an US transducer array and an integrated optical imaging sub-system

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 B K MEDICAL

AI summary

An ultrasound imaging probe (204) includes a transducer array (210). The transducer array includes one or more transducer elements (212). The ultrasound imaging probe further includes an illumination component (218) and an optical imaging component (220). The ultrasound imaging probe further includes an elongated housing (302) with a long axis (304). The elongated housing includes a proximal end region (306) affixed to a handle (308) and a distal end region (310) with a tip region (312). The elongated housing houses the transducer array, the illumination component, and the optical imaging component in the distal end region.