Segmented HIFU Transducer Layout for Off-Axis Tissue Focusing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic transducers face challenges in delivering focused ultrasound pressure deep into biological tissues with precision, often requiring physical repositioning and prolonged processing times, especially when treating complex, non-symmetrical areas.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic transducer design with a base portion featuring a rotational symmetry and divided into multiple ultrasound emission zones, including a centrally arranged rectilinear zone, allows independent activation of these zones to optimize pressure distribution, minimizing it along the acoustic axis and maximizing it off-axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a toroidal transducer with curved emission surface is used, then the pressure is maximized along the acoustic axis, but the treatment area cannot be widened and complex configurations cannot be treated effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure along acoustic axisVSAvoidtreatment area coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer surface is segmented into multiple independently controllable emitter elements arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing selective activation of specific zones to treat targets at various locations without physical repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-axis toroidal geometry to a two-dimensional matrix array of emitters, enabling treatment of targets in multiple directions and complex three-dimensional configurations simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stress or pressure

If the transducer is physically moved to align the emission axis with the target location, then the required pressure can be delivered, but the process is time consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverequired pressure deliveryVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls the activation state of different emitter elements in the matrix array, allowing the acoustic focus to be electronically steered to any target location without physical movement of the transducer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical repositioning system is replaced with an electronic control system that adjusts which emitter elements are active, achieving the same functional result of aligning the acoustic axis with the target through electronic rather than mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of elements are used to treat complex tissue configurations, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplex configuration treatmentVSAvoidnumber of elements and electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The matrix array of emitter elements serves multiple functions: treating targets along the acoustic axis, treating off-axis targets, and treating complex three-dimensional configurations, all with the same physical hardware through different activation patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the activation state parameters of the emitter elements (which elements are on/off and their respective amplitudes) to adapt to different treatment scenarios, allowing a fixed physical structure to perform variable treatment functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 targeted ultrasound treatment without repositioning, enhancing treatment area coverage and reducing secondary tissue damage by independently controlling emission zones for precise pressure application.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic transducer comprising a base portion and a plurality of ultrasound emitter elements located on a surface of the base portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The ultrasound beam generates waves of mechanical pressure at specific locations inside the biological tissue, which result in a local increase of temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic heating: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12629545B2Therapeutic ultrasonic transducers for the emission of focused ultrasound waves

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 INST NAT DE LA SANTE & DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM)

AI summary

The disclosure relates to ultrasonic transducers for therapeutic ultrasound techniques, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) techniques. A challenge is to design ultrasound transducers capable of delivering the required pressure, deep enough in the biological tissue, and with enough precision to deliver the required pressure within the targeted volume of the tissue and without destroying the surrounding tissue. Thus, it is proposed to use a transducer with several ultrasound emitting zones capable of being activated independently. This enables the transducer to deliver the required pressure at a target location that is not aligned with the emission axis.