Modular IVUS System with Distributed Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems are cumbersome and obstructive in crowded operating rooms, limiting access and ease of use due to their large, centralized mechanical configuration, and require complex interfaces that complicate quick and accurate procedures, especially with high staff turnover.

Innovation Solution

A modular IVUS system with low-power processors and distributed components that can be placed flexibly, including a control panel with intuitive interfaces and remote operation capabilities, allowing for improved accessibility and user experience by separating processing units, displays, and control panels with extended cabling and wireless options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a centralized trolley-based IVUS system is used, then the system provides complete functionality, but it occupies excessive space and obstructs access in crowded operating rooms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to patientVSAvoidspace occupied by system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the IVUS system into separate functional modules: a patient interface module (PIM) that attaches to the patient table, a remote processing unit, and a display system. This segmentation allows the system to provide complete IVUS functionality while occupying minimal space in the operating room, as components are distributed rather than concentrated in a single trolley.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the processing and control functions from the patient interface module and places them in a separate remote processing unit. This extraction allows the PIM to remain compact and attached to the patient table without requiring a large dedicated space, while the processing unit can be positioned in an adjacent control room or equipment area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If a distributed integration approach is used with separate components, then space access is improved, but cable length limitations restrict component placement flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace accessibilityVSAvoidcomponent placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wall-mounted network interface box as an intermediary device that receives signals from the PIM via a short cable and transmits them through the building's existing network infrastructure to the remote processing unit. This intermediary eliminates the need for long point-to-point cables between components, allowing flexible placement of the processing unit anywhere within network range while maintaining close proximity to the patient table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional IVUS systems are used, then imaging functionality is provided, but the interface is complex and difficult to learn due to generalized design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging functionalityVSAvoidease of use and training

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent customizes the user interface specifically for catheter lab procedures, creating a localized control experience that matches the actual workflow needs of operators. The interface includes procedure-specific buttons, pre-configured imaging parameters, and contextual menus that appear based on the current procedural step, making the system easier to learn and use compared to generic interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration of imaging parameters and interface settings based on the selected procedure type and patient anatomy. Common settings are pre-established and automatically applied, reducing the learning curve and allowing operators to begin procedures quickly without needing to configure basic parameters from scratch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Power

If high-performance processors are used in the processing unit, then processing capability is maintained, but heat generation and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidheat and noise generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat-generating processing functions from the PIM and places them in a separate remote processing unit that can be positioned away from the patient table and operating room noise-sensitive areas. This allows the use of more powerful processors for image processing and analysis while the PIM remains quiet and cool enough for use at the patient bedside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10667784B2Component-based catheter lab intravascular ultrasound system

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

AI summary

A componentized intravascular ultrasound system is disclosed that flexibly integrates with a catheter lab infrastructure for acquisition and display of intravascular information in a catheter lab environment. The system includes a patient interface module (PIM) adapted to hold a catheter having an imaging probe located near a distal end, a control panel, a monitor for displaying images and patient data, and a processing unit. The processing unit is communicatively coupled to the PIM, the control panel, and the monitor. Furthermore the processing unit adapted to: coordinate operation of the PIM, the control panel, and the monitor; and generate images from image data provides by the PIM. The PIM, control panel and monitor are independently positionable with regard to one another.