Forward-Looking IVUS Catheter Transducer Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IVUS catheters face limitations in providing enhanced image quality and utility for navigating and delivering treatments, particularly in imaging vascular regions distal to the catheter, with a need for improved devices and methods that integrate imaging, navigation, and treatment delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongated sheath with a flexible body and a rotating transducer subassembly that transmits and receives ultrasound beams through a distal opening, allowing for forward-looking imaging and potential integration of therapeutic procedures, utilizing advanced transducer technologies like PMUT and CMUT within a multi-lumen catheter design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transducer element is used in rotational IVUS catheter, then the device structure is simple, but the imaging capability is limited and cannot provide enhanced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a first transducer element for receiving ultrasound echoes, a second transducer element for transmitting ultrasound pulses, and a third transducer element for receiving transmitted pulses. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall imaging capability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for ultrasound transmission by positioning the second transducer element at a different location and orientation relative to the first transducer element. This dimensional arrangement enables the transmitted ultrasound pulses to pass through the sheath wall and reach distal vascular regions, providing forward-looking imaging capability that overcomes the limitations of conventional single-element rotational IVUS
2Measurement precision
If transducer array is used in solid-state IVUS catheter, then imaging quality is improved, but the device complexity and risk of vessel trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex transducer array distributed around the catheter circumference, the patent applies local quality by concentrating transducer elements at specific locations on the catheter tip. The first, second, and third transducer elements are positioned at distinct locations optimized for their specific functions (receiving echoes, transmitting pulses), achieving high imaging quality with reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the transducer elements from the conventional solid-state array configuration and repositions them as discrete, spatially separated elements on the catheter tip. This extraction allows each element to be independently optimized and positioned for maximum effectiveness, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining or improving imaging quality
3Ease of operation
If transducer is oriented perpendicular to catheter axis in rotational IVUS, then the ultrasound beam propagates in standard direction, but the ability to image distal vascular regions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent breaks the symmetric conventional arrangement by orienting the second transducer element at an angle relative to the catheter axis, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric orientation allows the ultrasound beam to propagate at an angle that passes through the sheath wall and images distal vascular regions, while the first and third transducer elements maintain standard orientations for receiving echoes and transmitted pulses respectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for ultrasound propagation by orienting the second transducer element at an angle to the catheter axis. This angular arrangement in three-dimensional space allows the ultrasound beam to travel through the sheath wall and reach distal regions, providing forward-looking imaging capability that extends beyond the conventional planar imaging approach
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid-filled sheath is used to protect vessel tissue, then vessel trauma is reduced, but ultrasound signal transmission is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the sheath wall as an intermediary medium that the ultrasound pulses must pass through. By optimizing the second transducer element's position and orientation, the system enables ultrasound signals to transmit through the sheath wall and reach distal vascular regions, maintaining both protection and signal transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overcomes the sheath wall barrier by orienting the second transducer element at an angle that directs ultrasound pulses through the sheath wall in a three-dimensional path. This angular arrangement in space allows ultrasound signals to penetrate the sheath and reach distal regions, maintaining signal transmission while preserving the protective function of the fluid-filled sheath
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 improved imaging of vascular regions distal to the catheter, providing enhanced diagnostic insights and the capability for simultaneous navigation and treatment delivery, with the ability to generate imaging cones at various angles, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional IVUS systems.
Implementation Method 1
a single ultrasound transducer element fabricated from a piezoelectric ceramic material
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasound waves pass easily through most tissues and blood, but they are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for forward looking imaging are provided. A system for imaging a vessel of a patient comprises an elongated sheath having a proximal and a distal end. The sheath includes a flexible body with a first lumen in communication with a distal opening at the distal end. The system further comprises an imaging core disposed within the first lumen. The imaging core includes a transducer subassembly sized to extend within the first lumen. The transducer subassembly is adapted to transmit a beam, distally of the elongated sheath, through the distal opening.