Separate Ultrasound Probe Alignment for HIFU Treatment Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of embedding an imaging ultrasound probe within a HIFU transducer compromises imaging quality due to size constraints, leading to poor imaging conditions and treatment precision issues, especially when targeting deep biological organs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for positioning a therapeutic ultrasound probe relative to an imaging ultrasound probe using a position capture system and electronic control device, allowing separate placement of the probes with alignment facilitated by position markers and feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging probe is embedded in the HIFU probe at the center of the HIFU transducer, then the emission axis of the HIFU transducer is aligned with the emission axis of the imaging probe, but the imaging probe must be small which degrades the imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the imaging probe and HIFU transducer into two independent components. The imaging probe is removed from the HIFU probe housing, allowing each component to be optimized independently - the imaging probe can be large enough for high-quality imaging while the HIFU transducer maintains its therapeutic performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
A position capture system with position markers serves as an intermediary to establish the spatial relationship between the imaging probe and HIFU transducer. This mediator enables precise alignment without requiring the imaging probe to be physically embedded in the HIFU probe, thus resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and imaging quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the imaging probe is placed at a distance from the tissue with a water gap and/or gel gap, then the imaging probe can be of larger size for better imaging capabilities, but the image quality is strongly affected by artefacts due to interface reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the imaging probe position and orientation after placement. The position capture system provides real-time feedback enabling the imaging probe to be optimally positioned to minimize artefacts while maintaining adequate imaging capabilities, rather than being fixed in a compromised position.
Solution Approach 2:
The position capture system provides feedback on the spatial relationship between the imaging probe and HIFU transducer, enabling adjustment of the imaging probe position to reduce interface reflection artefacts while maintaining alignment with the treatment target. This feedback mechanism allows optimization of both imaging quality and artefact reduction.
3Reliability
If a small imaging probe is used to fit within the HIFU probe housing, then the HIFU transducer performance is maintained, but the imaging probe cannot obtain proper images of deep biological organs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the imaging and therapeutic functions into separate probes, the system eliminates the size constraint that limited imaging probe performance. The imaging probe can be optimized for deep organ imaging with appropriate size and characteristics, while the HIFU transducer maintains its therapeutic performance without compromise.
4Device complexity
If the imaging probe is embedded in the HIFU probe, then the combined probe configuration is achieved, but the imaging probe size is constrained which compromises treatment precision for deep targets
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging probe is extracted from the HIFU probe housing, allowing it to be of sufficient size for high-quality imaging of deep targets. This extraction eliminates the size constraint while the position capture system ensures proper alignment is maintained, thus improving treatment precision without sacrificing the integrated workflow benefits.
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 precise alignment and positioning of therapeutic and imaging ultrasound probes without compromising imaging quality, ensuring accurate treatment delivery even when using high-quality imaging solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the position markers are optical position markers, the position capture system comprising at least one image sensor
Implementation Method 2
the position markers are magnetic position markers, the position capture system comprising at least one magnetic sensor
Implementation Method 3
the position markers are radiofrequency position markers, the position capture system comprising at least one radiofrequency sensor
Implementation Method 4
The ultrasonic transducers are of the piezoelectric type
Implementation Method 5
The ultrasound beam generates waves of mechanical pressure at specific locations inside the biological tissue, which result in a local increase of temperature, leading to the destruction of the target
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods using high intensity focused ultrasounds (HIFU) guided by ultrasound imaging often require an imaging ultrasound probe to be embedded within a HIFU transducer, in order for both probes to have a substantially similar position during operation. This configuration has many drawbacks and often causes poor imaging conditions due to constraints on the size of the imaging probe. The new methods and systems described herein allow the use of an imaging ultrasound probe separate from the HIFU transducer. The imaging ultrasound probe can be easily positioned relative to the HIFU transducer during operation by using a position capture system and a specific housing for the imaging probe. The invention is also applicable to high intensity contact ultrasound probes (HICU).