IVUS Needle Guide for In-Plane Puncture Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems face challenges in accurately visualizing and guiding needle punctures during minimally invasive procedures, leading to risks of off-target punctures and increased technical difficulty.
Innovation Solution
Intravascular ultrasound devices with integrated or extrinsic needle guides that stabilize the needle in the plane of visualization, using features like pre-curved or articulating needles, inflatable balloons, and guidewires to ensure precise needle placement and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If needle puncture guidance is performed during IVUS procedures, then procedural capability is enhanced, but visualization accuracy and precision of needle placement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary element that transmits light from a proximal source to the needle tip region. This optical fiber mediator enables visualization of the needle puncture site without compromising the IVUS imaging capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced procedural capability and maintained visualization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of optical illumination to the existing IVUS acoustic imaging modality. By introducing light transmission through optical fibers alongside the acoustic ultrasound waves, the system creates a multi-dimensional imaging approach that simultaneously provides both procedural guidance and accurate visualization
2Adaptability or versatility
If needle puncture guidance is performed during IVUS procedures, then procedural capability is enhanced, but the risk of off-target punctures and technical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through optical illumination of the needle tip and surrounding tissue. The illuminated field provides immediate visual feedback to the operator about needle position and tissue interaction, enabling continuous adjustment to maintain accurate targeting and reduce the risk of off-target punctures
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as a safety intermediary by providing independent visual verification of needle trajectory and tip position. This separate optical channel confirms proper needle placement before and during puncture, reducing reliance solely on IVUS imaging and thereby improving procedural safety
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access sites are used for IVUS and needle procedures, then procedural flexibility is improved, but procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where a single access site accommodates both IVUS catheter insertion and needle puncture guidance. The shared optical fiber illumination system serves both imaging and puncture guidance functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate access sites and thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining flexibility
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
Enhances needle visualization, reduces the risk of off-target punctures, decreases procedure complexity, and allows for single-access site procedures, improving safety and efficiency in IVUS-guided surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber to a distal portion of the IVUS probe to illuminate a needle tip and surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
The means for stabilizing may comprise one or more inflatable balloons
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular ultrasound “(IVUS”) device having an intrinsic or attachable needle guide is disclosed. In some embodiments, a sheath having a needle guide is used in connection with an IVUS device. The devices may be used in performing minimally invasive image-guided surgical procedures. The devices may be configured to maintain a needle placed through guide in the plane of the IVUS-array to improve visualization of the needle. In some embodiments, the device is used to facilitate the creation of a tract through the liver from the inferior vena cava to the portal vein using IVUS-guidance in a direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt procedure. The devices, systems, and methods can improve patient safety by decreasing the risk of off-target punctures, decrease procedure times, and allow procedures to be performed from a single access site.