Rotatable 1D Arrays for Bi-Plane Intraluminal Ultrasound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraluminal ultrasound probes face challenges with limited imaging resolution and high complexity due to their long, thin design, particularly in achieving bi-plane imaging within small lumens, which is costly and complex with existing 2D arrays.
Innovation Solution
The use of two rotatable one-dimensional arrays within the intraluminal ultrasound probe allows for bi-plane imaging by aligning them along the probe's longitudinal axis during insertion and rotating them post-insertion to define non-parallel imaging planes, maintaining a thin profile and reducing complexity and cost compared to 2D arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 2D array is used for volume imaging in intraluminal probes, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple separate 1D array segments (first array and second array) that can be independently positioned and rotated. Each array is simpler in structure, and their combination provides the desired bi-plane imaging capability without requiring a complex 2D matrix array.
Solution Approach 2:
The arrays are made rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis, allowing dynamic reconfiguration between different imaging planes. This dynamic capability enables the probe to adapt to different imaging requirements without requiring multiple fixed arrays or a complex 2D array structure.
2Ease of operation
If a 2D array with long rectangular shape is used to enable vascular access, then the probe can advance through lumens, but imaging quality in the transverse dimension deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer element is segmented into two separate 1D arrays that can be positioned at different orientations. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized for its specific imaging plane while maintaining the thin profile needed for vascular access.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single 2D array plane to multiple 1D arrays in different spatial dimensions (longitudinal and transverse orientations). This dimensional approach allows high-resolution imaging in both the longitudinal dimension (7-23 mm) and the transverse dimension (2-4 mm) while maintaining a thin probe profile.
3Measurement precision
If multiple 1D array apertures are fixed in orientation to scan different planes, then bi-plane imaging is achieved, but the probe cannot advance through small lumens
Solution Approach 1:
The arrays are designed to be rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis, allowing the probe to dynamically adjust its imaging planes after insertion. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the probe to maintain a thin profile for easy advancement while achieving bi-plane imaging capability once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The arrays are positioned in a first arrangement (aligned longitudinally) that facilitates easy advancement through the lumen during insertion. After insertion, they are rotated to a second arrangement (different scan planes) to provide bi-plane imaging. This preliminary positioning strategy ensures easy insertion followed by functional reconfiguration.
4Device complexity
If a single rotatable 1D array is used, then device complexity is reduced, but real-time bi-plane imaging capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single rotatable array, the system segments the transducer into two separate 1D arrays that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation enables simultaneous operation in different planes, improving real-time bi-plane imaging capability while maintaining relatively simple 1D array structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate 1D arrays are combined within the same probe housing to provide complementary imaging planes. The arrays work together to achieve real-time bi-plane imaging, merging the capabilities of multiple simpler components to exceed the performance of a single complex component.
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 configuration enables real-time bi-plane imaging with superior azimuthal resolution and reduced complexity and cost, supporting complex structural procedures while maintaining a thin probe form factor, overcoming the limitations of single-plane imaging and volume imaging with 2D arrays.
Implementation Method 1
Each element is a piezoelectric transducer
Implementation Method 2
Intraluminal ultrasound probes typically have a one-dimensional (1D) array for imaging a plane from within the patient
Data Source
AI summary
For intraluminal ultrasound probes, two long-thin arrays (e.g., 1D arrays) are provided in the intraluminal ultrasound probe for bi-plane imaging. The arrays are rotatable relative to each other so that during insertion the arrays align to be long and thin, allowing the shaft of the probe to be narrow. For bi-plane imaging after insertion, one array is rotated relative to the other array, defining two non-parallel imaging planes.