pMUT Array Integrated Transcatheter Valve for LAA and ASD Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac valve replacement and ultrasonic imaging technologies face challenges in achieving accurate and real-time imaging during structural heart procedures, particularly in complex anatomies like the left atrial appendage (LAA) and atrial septal defect (ASD).
Innovation Solution
The integration of a Piezoelectric Micro-Machined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) based transducer within catheters used for structural heart procedures, enabling the transmission and reception of acoustic pulse information for high-resolution ultrasonic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging methods are used during structural heart procedures, then the imaging capability is limited, but the device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrasonic transducer array, catheter shaft, and imaging processing capabilities into a single integrated catheter system. The pMUT array is embedded within the catheter shaft, allowing simultaneous delivery of the catheter and imaging functionality through the same access route, thereby achieving high-resolution imaging without proportionally increasing external system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer array is nested within the catheter shaft structure. The pMUT elements are positioned in a distal array configuration inside the catheter, allowing the imaging component to be contained within the delivery catheter itself, reducing the need for separate imaging equipment and minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
2Speed
If real-time imaging is implemented during structural heart procedures, then the imaging speed increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic imaging system operates using periodic pulse-echo sequences rather than continuous wave transmission. The pMUT array transmits short ultrasonic pulses at controlled intervals and listens for returning echoes, enabling real-time imaging capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission modes
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system incorporates dynamic control of the pMUT array activation, allowing selective engagement of transducer elements based on imaging requirements. The system can adjust the number of active elements, pulse repetition frequency, and gain settings in real-time, optimizing the balance between imaging speed and energy consumption during different procedural phases
3Ease of operation
If a miniaturized transducer is used to fit into the catheter, then the catheter flexibility improves, but the transducer size is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer is segmented into multiple small pMUT elements arranged in an array configuration rather than using a single large transducer. Each individual pMUT element is miniaturized to fit within the catheter profile, while the collective array provides sufficient imaging aperture and resolution. This segmentation allows the catheter to maintain flexibility while achieving the required imaging performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) technology, which uses thin-film piezoelectric materials deposited on flexible substrates. This composite structure enables the transducer to conform to the catheter's flexible geometry while maintaining adequate acoustic coupling and imaging capability, resolving the conflict between miniaturization and functional performance
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 solution provides real-time, high-resolution ultrasonic imaging during structural heart procedures, enhancing the accuracy and safety of interventions such as TAVR, TMVR, TTVR, LAA closure, and ASD closure.
Implementation Method 1
MEMS based Piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) imaging uses a miniature ultrasound transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated transcatheter valve replacement and Piezoelectric Micro-Machined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) enabled ultrasonic imaging system, is disclosed. The system comprising a transcatheter valve replacement assembly having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The transcatheter valve replacement assembly comprises a self-expanding valve, a frame and leaflets. A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based pMUT transducer having MEMS based pMUT array disposed within the distal end of the transcatheter valve replacement assembly. The MEMS based pMUT array comprises a substrate and a plurality of pMUT array elements arranged on the substrate. The integrated transcatheter valve replacement and pMUT enabled ultrasonic imaging system is used in left atrial appendage (LAA), atrial septal defect (ASD), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transcatheter mitral value replacement (TMVR), and transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) or other catheterized structural heart procedures.