IVUS Patient Interface Module for Wireless Multi-System Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraluminal imaging systems, such as IVUS devices, are hindered by excessive cabling in catheter labs, which complicates the gathering of medical images and data for patient diagnosis, especially when image data needs to be output to multiple diagnostic systems.

Innovation Solution

An IVUS-Patient Interface Module (IVUS-PIM) that processes ultrasound echo signals to generate image data wirelessly and distributes it via a power over Ethernet (PoE) connection to a wireless router, reducing the need for physical cables and allowing communication with multiple diagnostic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IVUS device is connected to multiple diagnostic systems via cables, then image data can be transmitted to multiple systems, but the amount of cabling increases and workspace becomes cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data output to multiple diagnostic systemsVSAvoidamount of cabling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (wireless transceiver system) between the IVUS device and multiple diagnostic systems. This intermediary enables data transmission without physical cables by converting electrical signals to electromagnetic waves, thus resolving the contradiction between connecting multiple systems and reducing cabling complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based transmission system with an electromagnetic wave-based wireless transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connections while maintaining data transmission capability, directly addressing the cabling clutter problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple cables are used for power and communication, then device functionality is maintained, but workspace clutter and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidworkspace organization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single wireless channel. The wireless transceiver system transmits both power and data simultaneously through electromagnetic waves, eliminating the need for separate power cables and communication cables, thus improving workspace organization while maintaining full device functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If wireless communication is implemented, then cabling is reduced and workspace is simplified, but new communication infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabling requirementsVSAvoidinfrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal wireless communication standard that can be integrated into existing diagnostic systems without requiring specialized infrastructure. The wireless transceiver uses standard electromagnetic communication protocols, making it compatible with various diagnostic systems and eliminating the need for proprietary communication infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The IVUS-PIM simplifies the imaging process by eliminating excess cabling, enabling efficient image data transmission and processing directly to various diagnostic systems, enhancing the workflow in catheter labs.

Implementation Method 1

The transducers emit ultrasonic energy in order to create an image of the vessel of interest. Ultrasonic waves are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

Echoes from the reflected waves are received by the transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Implementation Method 3

The Power over Ethernet component receives power through an Ethernet cable to power the IVUS-PIM

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower over Ethernet:

Data Source

PatentUS12383225B2Intravascular ultrasound patient interface module (PIM) for distributed wireless intraluminal imaging systems

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

AI summary

An intraluminal imaging system is provided. The intraluminal imaging system includes a patient interface module (PIM) in communication with an intraluminal device comprising an ultrasound imaging component and positioned within a body lumen of a patient, a wireless router via an signal link, and a computing device in wireless communication with the wireless router, wherein the PIM comprises a processing component configured to receive an ultrasound echo signal from the ultrasound imaging component; and determine image data based on at least the ultrasound echo signal; and a power and communication component configured to receive power from the signal link; and transmit, to the computing device via the signal link and the wireless router, the image data.