Multiradius Ultrasound Probe for High-Resolution TRUS Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging techniques suffer from degraded radial spatial resolution due to lower scanline density and broader slice thickness, especially at deeper imaging depths, limiting the provision of clear anatomical information for clinicians.
Innovation Solution
A multiradius transducer probe with a support and transducer array that can switch between two radius modes, allowing for enhanced spatial resolution and acoustic scanning, combined with photoacoustic imaging capabilities, and incorporating a light fiber bundle for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a 1-D linear array transducer is used for volumetric TRUS imaging, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the radial spatial resolution is degraded due to lower scanline density and broader slice thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple independently controllable element groups that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to synthesize multiple virtual apertures at different radial positions, enabling higher scanline density and improved radial spatial resolution without requiring a physical increase in the number of transducer elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the traditional 1-D linear array operation into a 2-D synthetic aperture space by coordinating multiple element groups to create virtual transducer positions at different radial angles. This dimensional extension allows volumetric imaging with enhanced radial resolution while maintaining the physical constraints of the 1-D array geometry.
2Length of stationary object
If the imaging depth is increased, then the imaging range is improved, but the radial spatial resolution is further degraded due to broader slice thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by using elevation focusing lenses with different focal lengths for different radial regions. Shallow regions use lenses with shorter focal lengths to maintain tight focusing and high resolution, while deeper regions utilize lenses with longer focal lengths to extend the depth of field, thereby maintaining acceptable radial spatial resolution across the entire imaging depth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focusing and beamforming parameters that adapt to imaging depth. The system dynamically adjusts the synthetic aperture configuration, element group activation patterns, and focusing parameters based on the target depth, allowing optimal radial spatial resolution to be maintained across varying imaging depths rather than using fixed parameters.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmittance/reception events are synthesized in radial direction, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by using the existing 1-D linear array elements to perform both radial and lateral imaging functions through synthetic aperture techniques. The same physical elements that provide lateral coverage are reconfigured to synthesize radial viewing angles, eliminating the need for separate radial scanning mechanisms or additional transducer arrays, thereby improving spatial resolution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 multiradius transducer probe provides higher spatial resolution and contrast, overcoming limitations in TRUS imaging by optimizing scanning parameters and reducing grating lobe artifacts, thereby enhancing clinical imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging
Implementation Method 2
acoustic reception only
Implementation Method 3
photoacoustic imaging capabilities, and incorporating a light fiber bundle for improved imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices include an ultrasound and photoacoustic probe with a multiradius transducer, and a support with a primary axis. The multiradius transducer can include a proximal region, a distal region, and a transducer array. The proximal region can be adjacent the support, and the multiradius transducer can terminate at the distal region. In a first radius mode, the multiradius transducer can exhibit a first surface extending from the proximal region to a distal surface, the distal surface being in the distal region, the first surface characterized by a first radius. In a second radius mode, the multiradius transducer can exhibit a second surface extending from the proximal region to a second distal surface in the distal region, the second surface characterized by a second radius, where the second radius can be greater than the first radius.