Implantable Sonic Window for Ultrasound Brain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain imaging modalities like CT and MRI have limitations, with CT posing risks and MRI being costly and requiring sedation, necessitating an alternative for effective and safer brain imaging.
Innovation Solution
An implantable sonic window made of sonically translucent polymeric materials is created to allow for ultrasound imaging by forming an opening in the cranium, which can be closed to protect the brain and permit ultrasonic waves to pass through, providing a safer and more cost-effective imaging solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT scanning is used for brain imaging, then imaging effectiveness is improved, but risk of inducing neoplasia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging (CT) with ultrasound imaging, which uses mechanical acoustic waves instead of electromagnetic radiation. This substitution eliminates the carcinogenic risk while maintaining imaging capability through the sonically translucent window implanted in the skull.
2Measurement precision
If MRI is used for brain imaging, then imaging effectiveness is improved, but cost and requirement for patient sedation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive MRI technology with ultrasound imaging through an implanted sonic window. This substitution dramatically reduces cost and eliminates the need for expensive MRI equipment and associated sedation protocols, while providing effective brain imaging capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an opening is formed in the cranium for ultrasound imaging, then ultrasound wave transmission is improved, but brain protection and pressure regulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sonically translucent window as an intermediary material that bridges the cranium and ultrasound waves. This window allows ultrasonic energy to pass through effectively while simultaneously protecting the brain and maintaining pressure regulation, solving the contradiction between wave transmission and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sonically translucent window functions as a thin film or shell that is acoustically transparent to ultrasound waves while providing mechanical protection and pressure sealing for the brain. The flexible or semi-rigid nature of this window allows it to conform to the cranium while maintaining its protective and transmissive functions.
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 sonic window enables effective ultrasound imaging of the brain while minimizing risks and costs, allowing for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including tissue heating and neuromodulation, and can be used in conjunction with other imaging modalities for comprehensive brain imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the sonic window is made of a sonically translucent polymeric material... that also permits ultrasonic waves to freely pass into and out from the brain
Implementation Method 2
allowing for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including tissue heating
Implementation Method 3
allowing for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including... neuromodulation
Data Source
AI summary
A sonic window includes a body sized and configured to close an opening formed through the cranium, wherein at least a part of the body is made of a sonically transparent material through which ultrasonic waves can pass.