Integrated Intravascular Imaging System for Plaque Vulnerability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomedical imaging techniques are inadequate for early detection of vulnerable plaques and cancer due to limitations in resolution, sensitivity, and ability to differentiate tissue composition, particularly in cardiovascular and vascular diseases.
Innovation Solution
An integrated intravascular imaging system combining optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound (US), and phase-resolved acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography (PR-ARF-OCE) for simultaneous imaging and measurement of plaque types and tissue mechanical properties, using a single disposable guide wire and catheter to reduce costs and improve prognosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate imaging modalities (IVUS, OCT, NIRS) are used to assess plaque vulnerability, then measurement precision of plaque characteristics is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines IVUS, OCT, and NIRS imaging modalities into a single integrated intravascular imaging system. The system integrates ultrasound transducers, optical fibers for OCT and NIRS, and processing units into one catheter assembly, allowing simultaneous acquisition of structural, compositional, and functional plaque data without requiring multiple separate procedures or devices
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple diagnostic functions through a single device. It can simultaneously assess plaque morphology (IVUS), fibrous cap thickness (OCT), and lipid content (NIRS), making it a universal tool for comprehensive plaque vulnerability assessment that replaces multiple specialized imaging systems
2Measurement precision
If high resolution imaging is used to detect thin fibrous cap thickness, then measurement precision of vulnerable plaque is improved, but imaging depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging task into complementary segments: OCT provides high-resolution imaging of the superficial fibrous cap (0.5-2 mm depth) with micrometer-scale resolution, while IVUS provides deeper penetration (5-10 mm depth) to visualize the overall plaque burden and vessel wall structure. Each modality addresses a specific depth range, and their data are integrated to provide comprehensive assessment from the luminal surface to the vessel wall
3Ease of operation
If traditional ultrasound imaging is used for cancer detection, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and tissue differentiation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges conventional ultrasound imaging with advanced optical techniques (OCT and NIRS) in an integrated platform. The ultrasound component maintains ease of operation and broad tissue penetration, while the added optical modalities provide high-resolution structural imaging and molecular composition analysis, enabling differentiation of cancerous from benign tissues based on both mechanical and biochemical properties
4Device complexity
If a single integrated imaging system is used, then device complexity is reduced and cost decreases, but the ability to provide comprehensive plaque assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system is designed as a multi-functional platform that simultaneously performs IVUS for structural assessment, OCT for high-resolution fibrous cap imaging, and NIRS for lipid plaque characterization. By incorporating multiple imaging modalities within a single catheter assembly, the system prevents loss of complementary plaque information while simplifying the overall diagnostic workflow and reducing the need for multiple separate imaging procedures
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 provides high spatial resolution, broad imaging depth, and biomechanical/molecular contrast, enabling accurate identification and quantification of plaque vulnerability and tissue stiffness, facilitating early detection and management of cardiovascular and vascular diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coherence tomography interferometer including an optical fiber disposed in the intraluminal probe. The optical fiber delivers an optical beam and receives a returned optical signal through the intraluminal probe from the tissues
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasound subsystem having an ultrasound transducer is disposed in the intraluminal probe. The transducer delivers an ultrasound beam and receives a returned ultrasound signal through the intraluminal probe from the tissues
Implementation Method 3
An acoustic generator is coupled to the ultrasound transducer for delivering an acoustic radiation force (ARF) to the tissues
Implementation Method 4
phase-resolved acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography (PR-ARF-OCE)... The optical coherence tomography interferometer receives a returned ARF optical signal due to displacement of the tissues in response to the acoustic radiation force
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated intraluminal imaging system includes an optical coherence tomography interferometer (OCT), an ultrasound subsystem (US) and a phase resolved acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography subsystem (PR-RAF-OCE). The steps include performing OCT to generate a returned optical signal, performing US imaging to generate a returned ultrasound signal, performing PRARF-OCE to generate a returned PR-ARF-OCE signal by generating a amplitude modulated ultrasound beam or chirped amplitude modulated ultrasound beam to frequency sweep the acoustic radiation force, measuring the ARF induced tissue displacement using phase resolved OCT, and the frequency dependence of the PR-ARF-OCE signal, processing the returned optical signal, the returned ultrasound signal and the measured frequency dependence of the returned PR-ARF-OCE optical coherence elastographic signal to quantitatively measure the mechanical properties of the identified tissues with both spectral and spatial resolution using enhanced materials response at mechanically resonant frequencies.