Rotatable Ultrasound Catheter Assembly for 360-Degree Intravascular Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular ultrasound catheters face challenges in generating consistent and accurate images due to dynamic forces, tissue interference, and acoustic coupling issues, limiting real-time visualization and treatment effectiveness, especially in cardiovascular procedures like atrial fibrillation treatment.
Innovation Solution
A disposable imaging catheter with a rotatable transducer unit enclosed in an outer sleeve filled with acoustic coupling fluid, featuring a sonolucent material to minimize signal loss and allow 360-degree imaging, combined with a torque shaft for rotation and a steerable segment for precise movement, enabling high-resolution, real-time visualization and characterization of intravascular tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotatable transducer array is used to enable 360-degree imaging, then imaging coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging catheter is divided into distinct functional modules: a rotatable transducer array unit, a fluid-filled coupling chamber, and a steerable shaft section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while achieving 360-degree imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array is nested within a rotatable housing that is itself contained within the fluid-filled coupling chamber. This nested structure enables compact integration of multiple functional elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining full rotational imaging capability.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic coupling fluid is used to improve signal transmission, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a fluid-filled coupling chamber that uses acoustic coupling fluid to transmit ultrasound signals from the transducer array to the surrounding tissue. This hydraulic coupling mechanism improves image quality by ensuring optimal acoustic contact, while the integrated chamber design minimizes additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic coupling fluid acts as an intermediary medium between the transducer array and the intravascular tissue, enabling efficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This mediator improves signal transmission and image quality without requiring direct mechanical contact between the transducer and tissue.
3Measurement precision
If real-time imaging at high frequency is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array operates by emitting ultrasound pulses at high frequency to achieve real-time imaging. This periodic pulsed operation enables diagnostic accuracy through continuous data acquisition while managing energy consumption by utilizing the natural echo return cycles for signal processing.
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 provides high-resolution, real-time 360-degree imaging and tissue characterization, enhancing treatment efficacy by allowing accurate monitoring and control of procedures such as atrial fibrillation ablation, improving procedural success rates.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is an acoustic coupling fluid for carrying acoustic signals between the rotatable transducer unit and surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
The outer sleeve includes a sonolucent material, thereby enabling the passage of acoustic signals between the transducer unit and surrounding tissue
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging device in the form of a disposable catheter having a uniquely configured imaging assembly, including a rotatable transducer array, provided at a distal portion thereof enabling full circumferential, three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging for providing a 360-degree visualization of intravascular tissue.