Ultrasound Probe EAP Actuators for Doppler Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging techniques face challenges in visualizing minimally invasive devices like needles and catheters due to their specular reflectance and similarity in appearance to tissue structures, leading to limited spatial information density and orientation loss, especially with symmetrical devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electro-active polymer (EAP) actuators on the probe devices to provide localized vibrations within specific frequency ranges, enabling higher spatial resolution and orientation determination through Doppler ultrasound imaging by controlling the EAP actuators to induce vibrations in radial, axial, or tangential directions, and using different frequencies for distinct identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used to visualize minimally invasive devices, then the imaging method is simple and does not use ionizing radiation, but the devices are difficult to identify due to specular reflectance and similarity in appearance to tissue structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by attaching a vibration element to the distal end of the medical device to generate vibrations that can be detected by Doppler ultrasound imaging. This vibration causes the device to produce a detectable signal that differentiates it from static tissue structures, resolving the issue of device invisibility in conventional ultrasound images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color Doppler imaging to display the vibrating device as a colored signal superimposed on the grayscale B-mode ultrasound image. This color differentiation allows clinicians to easily distinguish the moving device from surrounding tissue structures, solving the identification problem caused by similar appearances.
2Measurement precision
If the complete cross section of the device is vibrated, then the device can be detected by Doppler imaging, but the spatial information density is limited due to cross talk between different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration function by placing multiple vibration elements at different locations along the device shaft rather than vibrating the entire cross section. This segmentation allows independent vibration of specific segments, reducing cross-talk and improving spatial information density while maintaining detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating vibration at specific localized positions on the device rather than uniform vibration across the entire device. This localized vibration approach enhances spatial resolution by creating distinct vibration signatures at different locations, allowing precise positional information to be extracted.
3Loss of information
If only a point is tracked on symmetrical devices, then the device can be visualized, but orientation information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by placing vibration elements at specific non-symmetric locations on the device or by using vibration elements that produce asymmetric vibration patterns. This asymmetric vibration configuration allows the Doppler system to detect not only the presence of the device but also its orientation, as the vibration signature varies with device angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds orientational information by using multiple vibration elements at different angular positions around the device circumference. This multi-dimensional vibration approach transforms the detection from simple point tracking to spatial pattern recognition, enabling determination of device orientation in addition to position.
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 solution enhances spatial resolution and information density, allowing for accurate 3D orientation and distance determination of the probe within the ultrasound image, reducing cross-talk and improving visualization of the probe's orientation and position.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of EAP actuators mounted at or integrated in the surface of the elongate body
Implementation Method 2
enabling higher spatial resolution and orientation determination through Doppler ultrasound imaging
Data Source
AI summary
An internal probe device for insertion into the body of a patient, comprises an elongate body with a plurality of EAP actuators mounted at the surface of the body. The EAP actuators are made to vibrate so that their position becomes visible in a Doppler ultrasound image. The use of EAP actuators to provide vibrations enables individual locations to be identified. In particular, the movement of the EAP actuator may be largely isolated from the main body of the probe. Furthermore, EAP actuators can be thin, lightweight and have a small form factor suitable for application to or within the surface of a probe, such as a catheter, needle or endoscope.