Intraluminal Ultrasound Sensor Skew Index Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular flow measurement systems are cumbersome to use, requiring complex alignment and interpretation of audio and visual signals, which can lead to physician frustration and increased procedure duration.
Innovation Solution
A blood flow velocity sensing guidewire equipped with a spectral flow assessment index, or skew index, that provides objective and repeatable feedback for optimal transducer placement, independent of heart rate and velocity amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Doppler technology is used for flow velocity measurements, then direct flow measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to alignment requirements and signal interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system computes a skew index from the velocity spectrum and provides real-time feedback to guide transducer alignment. The skew index quantifies the asymmetry in the velocity spectrum, which changes predictably with transducer orientation, allowing operators to adjust alignment to achieve optimal measurement conditions without requiring expert interpretation of complex Doppler signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the complex Doppler signal into a simplified scalar parameter (skew index) that directly indicates alignment quality. By monitoring changes in this parameter rather than interpreting full spectral patterns, the system makes alignment objective and repeatable while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If Doppler technology with audio signal interpretation is used, then flow measurement capability is improved, but physician training requirements and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically computes the skew index and provides alignment guidance without requiring physician interpretation of audio signals. The automated calculation and objective feedback reduce reliance on operator expertise, streamline the measurement process, and eliminate time-consuming manual signal analysis while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If transducer alignment is made critical for accurate flow measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability worsen due to orientation dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The skew index provides continuous feedback about transducer alignment status, enabling operators to adapt their positioning in real-time. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement accuracy across varying anatomical configurations and vessel orientations by guiding adjustments rather than requiring perfect initial alignment, thereby improving both precision and adaptability
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 skew index simplifies the process of obtaining direct flow measurements, reduces the need for extensive training, and automatically corrects for misalignment, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A guidewire configured for Doppler flow velocity measurements
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasound sensor disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member and configured to emit an ultrasound pulse
Data Source
AI summary
An intraluminal sensing system is provided, which includes an intraluminal device. The intraluminal device includes a flexible elongate member that can be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, and an ultrasound sensor at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member and configured to emit an ultrasound pulse in a longitudinal direction and to receive ultrasound echoes from the pulse. The system also includes a processor circuit in communication with the ultrasound sensor. The processor circuit is configured to compute a velocity spectrum of particles moving within the body lumen based on the received ultrasound echoes and, based on the velocity spectrum, compute a skew index indicative of a position or alignment of the ultrasound sensor within the body lumen. The processor circuit is also configured to output an indication of the skew index.