Rotatable Transducer Catheter for 3D Intravascular Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound catheters face challenges in providing accurate and efficient three-dimensional imaging within small body conduits, such as blood vessels, due to limitations in transducer design, mechanical complexity, and space constraints, which hinder the visualization of medical devices and tissues.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a rotatable transducer with a pivot mechanism allowing two-axis movement, integrated with a motor and coil system for precise control, enabling 3D imaging while minimizing acoustic attenuation and maintaining a clear acoustic window for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single element transducer is used, then the size is appropriate for body conduits and signal-to-noise ratio is good, but mechanical rotation is required and cost increases due to slip ring or rotary transformer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mechanism with a magnetic field-based rotary transformer system. The rotary transformer uses magnetic coupling between a primary winding on the stationary catheter and a secondary winding on the rotating transducer assembly, eliminating the need for mechanical slip rings and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining electrical connectivity during rotation.
2Ease of operation
If a linear or phased array transducer is used, then flexibility is improved and acoustic performance is good, but cost increases and more coaxial cables are required adding bulk and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotary transformer with magnetic coupling to replace multiple coaxial cables. The rotary transformer provides electrical connectivity through magnetic fields, reducing the number of physical cables needed and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the flexibility of linear array transducer elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a circular array transducer is used, then 360° cross sectional imaging is provided and cost is similar to single element, but imaging quality suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional circular array imaging to three-dimensional imaging by adding rotational capability. The transducer assembly rotates around the wire guide channel, enabling volumetric imaging of the surrounding tissue and vessels, providing comprehensive 360-degree coverage with improved imaging quality through multiple angular perspectives.
4Ease of operation
If wire guide channel is positioned in existing catheter designs, then wire guide can be directed through anatomy, but acoustic window is blocked and space for ultrasound hardware is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the wire guide channel is positioned inside the rotating transducer assembly rather than surrounding it. The transducer elements are arranged radially around the wire guide channel, with the channel passing through the center of the rotation path. This nesting allows the wire guide to be directed through the anatomy while the transducer elements maintain clear acoustic windows for ultrasound imaging.
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 design enables accurate and efficient 3D imaging along the length of small body conduits, enhancing the visualization of medical devices and tissues, and facilitating real-time navigation and placement, while reducing mechanical complexity and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A catheter design featuring a rotatable transducer with a pivot mechanism allowing two-axis movement, integrated with a motor and coil system for precise control
Implementation Method 2
The transducer transmits and/or receives ultrasound waves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer. A wire guide channel extends throughout the length of the catheter. The transducer is rotatable around the wire guide channel.