Microbubble Cavitation for Biomineralization Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating biomineralizations, such as kidney stones, face challenges in detection, localization, and minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues, with existing non-invasive acoustic therapy methods being complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive system using a catheter to introduce microbubbles near biomineralizations and apply ultrasound energy to induce cavitation, allowing for controlled and monitored treatment through inertial cavitation signatures for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external high-intensity acoustic shock wave generator is used to treat biomineralizations, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but collateral damage to healthy tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing microbubbles specifically at the target site near the biomineralization using a catheter, rather than applying shock waves to the entire body. The microbubbles are concentrated in the immediate vicinity of the stone, so that cavitation effects are localized precisely where needed, sparing surrounding healthy tissues from collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses microbubbles as an intermediary substance between the acoustic energy source and the biomineralization. These microbubbles act as mediators that convert acoustic energy into localized mechanical effects (cavitation) directly at the target site, enabling precise treatment while minimizing exposure of healthy tissues to harmful acoustic shock waves.
2Measurement precision
If computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is used to detect or localize treatment region, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using the acoustic emissions generated by the microbubbles themselves as the detection signal. The microbubbles naturally produce acoustic emissions during cavitation, which can be detected and used to monitor treatment progress, eliminating the need for separate expensive imaging systems like CT or MRI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting acoustic emissions from the microbubbles in real-time during treatment. This acoustic feedback provides information about bubble activity and treatment effectiveness, allowing the system to monitor and adjust treatment parameters dynamically without requiring complex external imaging equipment.
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 enables precise detection, localization, and treatment of biomineralizations with reduced collateral damage, improving clinical outcomes by using microbubble dynamics and controlled ultrasound energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
insonating the plurality of microbubbles with an external ultrasound source during the insonation stage so as to cause inertial cavitation of more than one of the plurality of said microbubbles within said target region
Implementation Method 2
detecting an acoustic emission of said microbubbles undergoing inertial cavitation
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic and hydro dynamic forces of the incident soundwaves as well as the resulting violent oscillation, vibration and rapid volumetric collapse (e.g., cavitation) of the microbubbles at the surface of or near the biomineralizations is exploited for diagnostic and/or therapeutic effect
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for ultrasound treatment is presented. The system and method alternatingly provide microbubbles in a target region containing a biomineralization, then insonate the microbubbles using an external ultrasound source. The microbubbles cavitate in the target region, destructively affecting the biomineralization and potentially breaking it or reducing its mass over time as a result of the cavitation action. Spatial orientation or alignment of the external ultrasound source may be achieved for best results using acoustic signatures and spectral representations of the same.