Steerable Wearable Doppler Velocimeter for Peripheral Artery Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld Doppler ultrasound probes face challenges in accurately locating and measuring blood flow in peripheral arteries due to limited focal range, attenuation of ultrasonic signals, and the need for manual manipulation and acoustic coupling, which complicates the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Innovation Solution
A steerable beam wearable Doppler ultrasound velocimeter system with multiple piezoelectric transducers and a movable carrier that automatically focuses ultrasonic fields, enhances small-amplitude signals using stochastic resonance, and reduces the need for manual manipulation and acoustic coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a handheld Doppler ultrasound probe is used to locate and measure blood flow in peripheral arteries, then blood flow measurement can be obtained, but the limited focal range and attenuation of ultrasonic signals reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultrasound transducer into multiple independent elements arranged in an array. Each element can be individually controlled to focus and steer the ultrasound beam, overcoming the limitations of a single handheld probe. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision by electronically focusing the beam on target vessels without requiring physical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical handheld probe system with an electronically controlled transducer array. Instead of manually moving a handheld probe to locate vessels, the system uses electronic beam steering and focusing to achieve the same goal, eliminating the problems of limited focal range and signal attenuation associated with manual positioning.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation and acoustic coupling are required to use a handheld Doppler probe, then the device can be operated, but the complexity of operation increases and diagnostic reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic vessel localization and beam focusing capabilities that eliminate the need for manual manipulation and acoustic coupling adjustments. The system automatically adapts to different anatomical positions and optimizes the ultrasound beam, making the device self-sufficient and reducing operator skill requirements while maintaining high diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic beam steering and focusing capabilities that automatically adjust to the target vessel's position and orientation. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual repositioning and acoustic coupling adjustments, simplifying operation while maintaining reliable measurements across different anatomical locations.
3Device complexity
If acoustic coupling is required for handheld Doppler probe operation, then ultrasonic signals can be transmitted, but the need for manual manipulation and coupling increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic coupling requirement with an electronically controlled transducer array system. The electronic beam forming and steering capabilities allow the system to achieve precise measurements without requiring manual manipulation or complex acoustic coupling procedures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 system enables accurate and efficient measurement of blood flow in peripheral arteries, reducing false negatives and false positives in PAD diagnosis by improving signal quality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic transmitter can include a pair of piezoelectric transducers
Implementation Method 2
doppler ultrasound velocimeter for assessing blood vessel patency and function
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable Doppler blood flowmeter can be used with an inflatable cuff to measure blood flow, such as for assessing peripheral artery disease (PAD). The present approach can include techniques such as providing or using a wearable acoustic Doppler blood flowmeter, without requiring the intricate manipulation of a handheld Doppler probe. The system can select a pair of acoustic transmitter and acoustic receiver from a set of more than two transducers, including one or more of different locations, orientations, or spacings, such as to vary a targeted region. The RF echo response signal can be translated to an audio response signal. An audio response signal injection circuit can adaptively inject a noise or other enhancement signal, such as to help improve perceptibility of an audible characteristic of pulsatile arterial blood flow. A trained machine learning model can be employed to select or adjust operating settings, to assess diagnostic information, or both.