Open-Loop Ultrasound Therapy Prostate Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound treatment systems require expensive and inaccessible MRI guidance for precise thermal energy application, which is not portable and can only be performed in facilities with MRI capabilities, limiting accessibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An open-loop ultrasound therapy method and system using a therapeutic ultrasound applicator with an integrated ultrasound imaging probe to acquire images and align the applicator with the prostate, delivering therapeutic ultrasound energy without temperature feedback data, allowing for controlled and targeted treatment within a predetermined angular range to avoid sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI guidance is used for focused ultrasound therapy, then precision of thermal energy application is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging function from the complex MRI system and implements it using a simpler ultrasound imaging probe that is integrated into the therapeutic ultrasound applicator. This allows the system to achieve adequate imaging guidance without requiring expensive and complex MRI equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient precision for therapeutic application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ultrasound imaging to create a representation of the prostate anatomy that can be used for treatment planning and guidance, effectively copying the imaging function needed for precision without requiring the actual MRI system. The ultrasound images provide sufficient anatomical information to guide therapeutic ultrasound delivery with adequate precision.
2Measurement precision
If MRI guidance is used for focused ultrasound therapy, then precision of thermal energy application is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive MRI guidance equipment with more affordable ultrasound imaging equipment that can be integrated into the therapeutic applicator. While ultrasound imaging may have lower resolution than MRI, it provides sufficient precision for therapeutic application at a significantly reduced cost, making the therapy system more accessible and manufacturable.
3Reliability
If MRI guidance is used for focused ultrasound therapy, then safety of procedure is improved through real-time monitoring, but patient comfort deteriorates due to immobilization and general anesthesia requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the requirement for patient immobilization and general anesthesia by using ultrasound guidance instead of MRI guidance. Ultrasound imaging does not require the same level of patient stillness or anesthesia, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining adequate safety through continuous ultrasound monitoring during the procedure.
4Measurement precision
If MRI facilities are required for ultrasound therapy, then precision of treatment is improved, but accessibility of therapy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ultrasound imaging probe directly into the therapeutic ultrasound applicator, creating a multi-functional device that performs both imaging and therapy. This integration eliminates the need for separate MRI facilities, allowing the same device to provide both guidance and treatment functions, thereby significantly improving accessibility and versatility of the therapy.
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 cost-effective and accessible ultrasound therapy for conditions like prostate enlargement, reducing the need for MRI imaging and general anesthesia, making the procedure more portable and accessible while ensuring patient safety by avoiding sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
delivering therapeutic ultrasound energy to the patient's prostate, with the ultrasound transducer
Implementation Method 2
acquiring ultrasound images of the patient's urethra and prostate with an ultrasound imaging probe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering ultrasound therapy using open-loop controls comprises inserting a distal tip of a therapeutic ultrasound applicator into a patient's urethra, the distal tip including an ultrasound transducer; acquiring ultrasound images of the patient's urethra and prostate with an ultrasound imaging probe; aligning the distal tip of the therapeutic ultrasound applicator with the patient's prostate using the ultrasound images; delivering therapeutic ultrasound energy to the patient's prostate, with the ultrasound transducer, according to a treatment plan, the treatment plan including a predetermined limited angular range for the therapeutic ultrasound energy that avoids the patient's rectum and neurovascular bundles, wherein the therapeutic ultrasound is delivered without temperature feedback data.