Reduced Transducer Array Intravascular Ultrasound Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) devices are complex and costly due to their large number of transducers and components, which complicates manufacturing and reduces maneuverability, despite often providing more detailed images than necessary for clinical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An IVUS device with a reduced number of transducers and components, including a transducer array with fewer than 24 transducers and a single control circuit, optimized for efficient manufacturing and improved maneuverability, focusing on generating clinically acceptable vessel measurements rather than high-fidelity images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of transducers and components are used in IVUS devices, then image quality and consistency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential transducer elements needed for clinically acceptable measurements, removing redundant transducers that contribute to image fidelity but are not necessary for obtaining accurate vessel diameter and cross-sectional area measurements. This reduction from 64 or more transducers to a minimal subset maintains measurement precision while eliminating unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using fewer transducers than traditional IVUS devices, recognizing that full high-fidelity imaging capability is excessive for the actual clinical need of obtaining measurement data. The reduced transducer array provides sufficient ultrasound coverage for measurement purposes without the excessive complexity of complete imaging capability
2Measurement precision
If a large number of transducers are used in IVUS devices, then image fidelity is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary transducer elements and associated control circuits from the device, extracting only the minimal configuration needed for measurement functionality. This simplification directly improves manufacturing efficiency by reducing assembly steps, testing requirements, and quality control complexity while maintaining sufficient image fidelity for clinical measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a simplified transducer array configuration that can be manufactured more economically, potentially as a disposable or single-use component. The reduced complexity allows for more efficient mass production and lowers per-unit manufacturing costs while still providing adequate performance for the intended measurement application
3Measurement precision
If a large number of transducers are used in IVUS devices, then detailed imaging capability is improved, but device size increases reducing maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential transducer elements required for measurement functionality, removing excess transducers that contribute to device size but are not necessary for obtaining accurate vessel measurements. This reduction in component count directly decreases device size and improves maneuverability within the vasculature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a reduced transducer array that provides sufficient ultrasound coverage for measurement purposes without the excessive size associated with full imaging capability devices. The minimal transducer configuration enables easier navigation through tortuous vasculature while maintaining adequate measurement precision
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 device is more efficient and cost-effective to manufacture, with improved maneuverability within the vasculature, capable of generating sufficient IVUS data for clinically relevant measurements, such as vessel diameter and cross-sectional area, while still visualizing high-density objects like calcification and stent struts.
Implementation Method 1
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging uses ultrasound echoes to form a cross-sectional image of the vessel of interest
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasound transducer on an IVUS catheter both emits ultrasound pulses and receives the reflected ultrasound echoes
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes a catheter body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal portion, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers and each of the plurality of transducers having a maximum width, wherein the plurality of transducers are positioned circumferentially around the catheter body with a minimum spacing between adjacent transducers that is at least twice as large as the maximum width. A minimally invasive measuring device includes an elongate body configured for insertion in a patient, the elongate body having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion; and a transducer array disposed adjacent the distal end, the transducer array having a plurality of transducers disposed circumferentially around the elongate body, the plurality of transducers comprising 3 to 16 transducers. A method of generating an intravascular measurement using an intravascular device is provided.