Intraluminal Flow Measurement Using Segmented Transducer Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring intraluminal flow, such as blood flow, face challenges due to limited space, which restricts the number and quality of device components, leading to less-than-desirable measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system utilizing low-power ultrasonic technology with continuous-wave Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry, allowing for a reduced number of electrical components and enabling continuous, real-time fluid flow velocity measurement without the need for precise aiming, using an extraluminal component outside the body to receive data from an implantable intraluminal component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional continuous wave Doppler methods are used with symmetric transducer positioning, then flow measurement sensitivity along the longitudinal direction is improved, but the system is more responsive only to velocity components along the midline between transducers, limiting measurement accuracy for other flow directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow measurement capability into multiple independent transducer pairs, each optimized for specific flow directions. The first transducer pair measures flow along the longitudinal axis, while the second transducer pair measures flow at oblique angles, allowing the system to segment the measurement task and achieve comprehensive flow velocity detection without compromising sensitivity in any single direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement system where multiple transducer pairs can measure different flow components simultaneously. This universal approach allows the same device to accurately measure flow velocities in various directions (longitudinal, oblique, and transverse) by activating the appropriate transducer pairs, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining precision
2Measurement precision
If transducers are positioned on opposite sides of the lumen for symmetric alignment, then coaxial flow measurement sensitivity is increased, but space constraints in the lumen limit the number and quality of device components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transducer functionality into multiple discrete transducer pairs that can be independently positioned and optimized. Each transducer pair is a simple, well-defined component that can be placed at specific locations within the lumen, allowing the system to achieve complex measurement capabilities through the combination of simple, space-efficient units rather than requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane transducer arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration of multiple transducer pairs positioned at different locations and orientations within the lumen. This spatial distribution allows each transducer pair to operate with optimal geometry for its specific measurement direction while the collective system achieves comprehensive flow measurement capability, effectively using the third dimension to resolve space constraints
3Device complexity
If transducers are positioned on the same side of the lumen, then space requirements are reduced, but the transmitted and reflected beams must be obliquely aimed to overlap into a trapezoidal sampling region, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple transducer pairs, where each pair can be optimally positioned and oriented for its specific measurement task. This segmentation allows some transducer pairs to use favorable geometry (reducing the need for oblique beam aiming) while others handle different flow components, thereby maintaining overall measurement accuracy even when individual transducers are constrained by space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local optimization to each transducer pair's geometry and positioning based on its specific measurement requirements. Rather than requiring all transducers to conform to a single geometric constraint, each transducer pair is locally optimized for its role in measuring specific flow components, allowing some to operate with ideal geometry while others accommodate spatial constraints, thereby maintaining overall system accuracy
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 approach provides accurate, continuous measurement of fluid flow velocity with reduced power requirements, allowing for wider power delivery alternatives and increased availability for use in non-specialist settings, while preserving directional information and enabling sampling over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer transmits an ultrasonic signal and another transducer receives echoes from the sound reflecting off of surfaces moving along with the fluid
Implementation Method 2
continuous wave Doppler methods in which a transducer transmits an ultrasonic signal and another transducer receives echoes from the sound reflecting off of surfaces moving along with the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.