Solid-State IVUS Interface Architecture for Reduced Catheter Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state IVUS catheters face challenges with increased diameter and rigid segments, limiting access to distal locations in the vasculature, and require improvements in transducer structures, electrical interfaces, and manufacturing methods to enhance maneuverability and imaging performance.
Innovation Solution
A compact ultrasound scanner assembly with a four-conductor cable and improved electrical interface, utilizing a super-die manufacturing configuration and microfabrication process to reduce catheter diameter, increase flexibility, and minimize external interference, while maintaining imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solid-state IVUS catheters use traditional multi-conductor cables and larger transducer arrays, then imaging quality and signal strength are improved, but catheter diameter increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (power delivery, data transmission, signal reception) into a single four-conductor cable system. The differential pair configuration allows simultaneous transmission of multiple signals using fewer conductors, reducing catheter diameter while maintaining imaging quality through integrated signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible cable design with thin-film construction using only four conductors instead of traditional multi-conductor bundles. This flexible shell approach reduces catheter stiffness and diameter, enabling better navigation through tortuous vasculature while maintaining signal integrity for high-quality imaging.
2Loss of information
If solid-state IVUS catheters use traditional multi-conductor cables, then signal transmission capability is improved, but susceptibility to external interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of external electromagnetic interference into a benefit by using differential signaling on the four-conductor cable. The differential pair configuration rejects common-mode noise and interference, transforming the challenging electromagnetic environment into an advantage where noise is naturally canceled out while maintaining strong signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite signal transmission approaches combining differential pairs with balanced wiring topologies. This composite electrical architecture provides both strong signal transmission capability and inherent immunity to external interference through the complementary characteristics of differential signaling and balanced cable construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solid-state IVUS catheters use complex electrical interfaces with multiple conductors, then functionality and control capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the four-conductor cable perform multiple functions simultaneously: delivering power, transmitting data bidirectionally, and carrying ultrasound signals. This universal interface design provides full electrical interface functionality with only four conductors, reducing device complexity while maintaining complete adaptability and control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical interface parameters from traditional multi-conductor configurations to a four-conductor differential system. By altering the signaling methodology and electrical characteristics, the system achieves equivalent or superior functionality with reduced complexity, simplifying both the electrical interface design and manufacturing processes.
4Loss of information
If solid-state IVUS catheters use traditional cable configurations, then signal transmission is maintained, but signal degradation over length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical multi-conductor cable systems with an electrical differential signaling system on a four-conductor cable. This substitution reduces cable capacitance and impedance mismatches that cause signal degradation, maintaining strong signal transmission over the catheter length while minimizing energy loss through optimized electrical characteristics.
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 enables a more flexible and maneuverable IVUS catheter with reduced diameter, improved durability, and enhanced imaging capabilities, facilitating access to complex vascular branches and reducing signal degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers emit and receive ultrasonic energy in order to create an image of the vessel of interest. Ultrasonic waves are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures (such as the various layers of the vessel wall), red blood cells, and other features of interest.
Implementation Method 2
an array of ultrasound transducers, such as piezoelectric zirconate transducers (PZTs)
Implementation Method 3
capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs)
Implementation Method 4
piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducers (PMUTs)
Data Source
AI summary
Sold-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to compact and efficient circuit architectures and electrical interfaces for an ultrasound transducer array used in a solid-state IVUS system. In one embodiment, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate member; an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the ultrasound scanner assembly including an ultrasound transducer array; an interface coupler disposed at a proximal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a cable disposed within and extending along a length of the flexible elongate member between the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler. The cable includes four conductors electrically coupling the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler.