IVUS Multi-Band Equalizer for Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) signal attenuation varies with frequency, leading to loss of signal fidelity and artifacts when all frequency components are amplified equally, which hampers the accuracy of vascular imaging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band equalizer/amplifier is applied to IVUS echo signal streams to compensate for attenuation by processing the signals into N frequency sub-bands, applying gain constants dependent on both frequency and time ranges, and then summing them to create a single time-gain compensated and frequency band-equalized signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all frequency components are amplified equally to compensate for signal attenuation, then signal strength is improved, but signal fidelity deteriorates due to frequency-dependent attenuation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple bands (e.g., low, mid, high frequency bands) and applies separate amplification to each band. This allows differential compensation of frequency-dependent attenuation, improving signal fidelity while maintaining adequate signal strength across all frequency components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different amplification factors to different frequency bands based on their specific attenuation characteristics. Each frequency band receives localized quality adjustment tailored to its attenuation profile, rather than uniform amplification, thereby preserving the natural frequency balance and signal fidelity.
2Measurement precision
If multi-band equalization is applied to compensate for frequency-dependent attenuation, then signal fidelity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing system is segmented into multiple independent frequency band processing channels. Each channel handles a specific frequency range with its own amplification factor, simplifying the overall design by breaking down the complex frequency-dependent compensation problem into manageable independent sub-problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplification parameter differently for each frequency band to compensate for frequency-dependent attenuation. By adjusting amplification factors as a function of frequency band, the system achieves accurate signal fidelity compensation without requiring complex adaptive algorithms.
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 enhances signal dynamic range and fidelity, reducing saturation and improving the visualization of lower amplitude signals, thereby providing more accurate vascular imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer probe in known systems comprises piezoelectric crystal, PVDF or a Capacitative Micro Ultrasound Transducer (CMUT)
Implementation Method 2
Acoustic signals are transmitted and echoes (or backscatter) from these acoustic signals are received
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for providing an equalized ultrasound echo signal for the rendering intravascular images. The system includes an ultrasound catheter including an ultrasound transducer probe. An intravascular ultrasound console receives an ultrasound echo signal corresponding to reflections of an ultrasound signal by backscatterers. An ultrasound echo signal time-gain compensation equalizer compensates the ultrasound echo signal according to sub-bands within a frequency response spectrum of the ultrasound echo signal. After applying selective amplifier gains on the sub-bands, the sub-band signals are combined to create an equalized ultrasound echo signal.