RF Imaging Antenna for In-Vivo Feature Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing in-stent restenosis in coronary arteries are invasive and require re-catheterization, while non-invasive techniques face challenges in accurately detecting and tracking features like stents within the body using RF imaging.
Innovation Solution
The development of RF diagnostic apparatus with an antenna system that directs RF electromagnetic waves into the body, processes signals to locate features like stents, and uses an ultrasound transducer to guide the beam for Doppler measurements, aided by a dielectric gel for improved signal processing and a tracking unit for precise coordinate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive RF imaging techniques are used to detect stents, then patient safety and comfort are improved, but detection accuracy and feature localization precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric gel is introduced as an intermediary medium between the RF antenna and the patient's skin. This gel improves the coupling of RF electromagnetic waves into the body, enhancing signal strength and detection accuracy without requiring invasive procedures. The gel acts as a mediator that optimizes the interface between the imaging system and human tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates a tracking unit that adds spatial coordinate tracking in three dimensions. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to precisely locate features like stents by tracking antenna position and orientation, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining non-invasive operation.
2Device complexity
If RF imaging systems use simple antenna designs, then device complexity is reduced, but signal penetration and detection capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dielectric gel with specific electromagnetic properties to change the parameters of signal transmission. By modifying the dielectric characteristics at the antenna-tissue interface, the system enhances RF signal penetration into the body without requiring complex antenna structures. This parameter optimization improves detection reliability while keeping the antenna design relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If ultrasound transducers are manually guided without tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy and beam direction control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A tracking unit provides real-time feedback on the position and orientation of both the RF antenna and the ultrasound transducer. This feedback mechanism allows the system to accurately guide the ultrasound beam toward detected features by continuously monitoring and adjusting transducer position, thereby improving positioning accuracy while managing system complexity through integrated tracking.
4Device complexity
If Doppler measurements are performed without precise feature localization, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy and blood flow assessment reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the RF imaging localization function with the ultrasound Doppler measurement function into an integrated diagnostic system. The RF antenna first locates the stent position, then the ultrasound transducer is guided to that precise location for Doppler blood flow measurements. This combination ensures accurate blood flow assessment by guaranteeing that measurements are taken at the correct anatomical 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
Enables non-invasive, accurate detection and tracking of features within the body, particularly in coronary arteries, allowing for effective assessment of restenosis and blood flow without the need for repeated invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna, which is configured to direct radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves into a living body and to generate signals responsively to the waves that are scattered from within the body
Implementation Method 2
signals responsively to the waves that are scattered from within the body
Implementation Method 3
A dielectric gel is adapted to be spread between the outer surface of the body and the front surface of the antenna
Implementation Method 4
the ultrasound transducer is configured to generate a Doppler signal responsively to a flow of blood through the stent
Data Source
AI summary
Diagnostic apparatus (20) includes an antenna 32, which is configured to direct radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves into a living body and to generate signals responsively to the waves that are scattered from within the body. Processing circuitry (36) is configured to process the signals so as to locate a feature in a blood vessel in the body.