Intravascular Photoacoustic Border Mapping for Atherosclerosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular imaging systems, such as IVUS and IVPA, face limitations in accurately identifying vascular borders in real-time, particularly due to evolving anatomical conditions like atherosclerosis, which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatments during procedures like PTCA and EVAR.
Innovation Solution
The integration of intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) and ultrasound (IVUS) data processing to modulate and coregister images, enabling the creation of a border map that accurately represents tissue borders within blood vessels, using a catheter with a transducer and a computer system to analyze and display these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional CT scans and angiograms are used to identify vascular borders, then the procedure can be performed with existing equipment, but the accuracy is insufficient due to evolving anatomical conditions like atherosclerosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical imaging systems (CT scans, angiograms) with intravascular photoacoustic imaging technology. The photoacoustic transducer detects optical signals within the vessel lumen, enabling direct visualization of vascular borders and plaque without relying on external mechanical imaging systems that cannot capture real-time evolving anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of vascular borders and plaque characteristics during the procedure itself, rather than relying on preoperative CT scans that cannot account for evolving conditions. The real-time photoacoustic imaging allows the physician to assess the current state of the vessel wall and lumen at the time of intervention.
2Measurement precision
If intravascular photoacoustic imaging is used to provide real-time vascular border identification, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoacoustic transducer integrated into the catheter serves multiple functions: it images the lumen, visualizes the vessel wall, identifies plaque characteristics, and measures vascular border positions all through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate imaging systems while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoacoustic imaging capabilities are nested within the existing catheter structure. The transducer is positioned within the catheter lumen, allowing the imaging function to be embedded in the delivery device without requiring a separate, complex external imaging system. The catheter itself becomes the imaging platform.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time IVPA imaging is performed during procedures like PTCA and EVAR, then procedural accuracy improves, but the time required for imaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoacoustic imaging is performed continuously throughout the procedure rather than as a separate preoperative step. The transducer remains in place and provides real-time imaging during catheter manipulation, balloon inflation, and stent deployment, allowing the physician to make adjustments based on immediate feedback without interrupting the procedural flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging to identify vascular borders and plaque before the intervention begins, allowing the physician to plan the procedure in advance. During the procedure, the same transducer provides ongoing imaging to guide real-time adjustments, eliminating the need for separate preoperative and intraoperative imaging steps.
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 high-resolution, real-time imaging of vascular borders, enhancing the accuracy of diagnosing and treating conditions like atherosclerosis by clearly delineating tissue types and plaque locations, thereby improving procedural outcomes and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
Another technique recently developed for imaging vasculature is known as Intravascular Photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging. With this technique, light energy is directed at the vascular tissue which causes the tissue to oscillate and create sound waves. These sound waves may be detected by a transducer for use in producing an image of the vascular tissue.
Implementation Method 2
The technique, known as Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), employs one or more very small transducers arranged towards the end of a catheter to provide electronically transduced echo signals to an external imaging system in order to produce a two or three-dimensional image of the lumen, the vessel tissue, and/or the tissue surrounding the vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises gathering intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) data using a transducer inserted into a vessel of a patient. The method further includes modulating the IVPA data to determine a first tissue border and displaying a border map representing the first tissue border.