IVUS Catheter Transfer Function Estimation Using Backscattered RF Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular-ultrasound (IVUS) systems face challenges in accurately determining the transfer function of a catheter, which affects the representation of vascular tissue data due to noise components and variability in catheter manufacturing, making real-time computation and component-free methods impractical.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the catheter's transfer function, employing a computing device and transducer to acquire RF data, and applying an algorithm to filter out noise and calculate response data for vascular tissue characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a perfect reflector is used to determine the transfer function, then the transfer function can be computed, but additional components are required and real-time computation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the perfect reflector component from the system and extracts only the essential measurement capability. Instead of requiring an external reflector, the system uses the vascular tissue itself as the measurement target, eliminating the need for additional components while maintaining transfer function determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the backscattered data from vascular tissue to automatically determine the transfer function without requiring external calibration equipment. The catheter system performs self-characterization by processing the data it already collects during normal operation, making the system self-sufficient
2Measurement precision
If a perfect reflector is used to determine the transfer function, then the transfer function can be computed, but real-time computation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously determines the transfer function during normal IVUS data acquisition rather than requiring separate calibration steps. The transfer function computation is performed continuously as new backscattered data is collected, enabling real-time updates without interrupting the diagnostic process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of backscattered data to extract transfer function information before final image reconstruction. By preparing and computing the transfer function in advance during data acquisition, the system enables real-time application to improve image quality without delaying the diagnostic workflow
3Measurement precision
If traditional transfer function determination is used, then the catheter characteristics can be measured, but the backscattered data does not accurately represent the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the backscattered data itself to feed back and determine the transfer function, which is then applied to correct and improve the accuracy of tissue representation. This closed-loop approach allows the system to continuously refine its measurements by using the actual tissue data to characterize the catheter response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of catheter-specific noise and manufacturing variations into useful information for determining the transfer function. Instead of treating these variations as harmful interference, the system uses them as the basis for characterizing the catheter's unique response, thereby improving tissue representation 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
Enables real-time estimation of the catheter's transfer function, improving the accuracy of vascular tissue imaging by separating tissue and noise components, allowing for continuous and precise characterization of vascular structures during IVUS procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic signals are then transmitted and echoes (or backscatter) of the acoustic signals are received
Implementation Method 2
echoes (or backscatter) of the acoustic signals are received
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter (including components attached thereto—e.g., IVUS console, transducer, etc.). Specifically, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a computing device is electrically connected to a catheter and used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.). The backscattered ultrasound data is then used, together with an algorithm, to estimate the transfer function. The transfer function can then be used (at least in a preferred embodiment) to calculate response data for the vascular tissue (i.e., the tissue component of the backscattered ultrasound data). In a second embodiment of the present invention, an IVUS console is electrically connected to a catheter and a computing device and is used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure. The backscattered data is then transmitted to the computing device, where it is used to estimate the catheter's transfer function and to calculate response data for the vascular tissue. The response data and histology data are then used to characterize at least a portion of the vascular tissue (e.g., identify tissue type, etc.).