Swept Transducer Intravascular Ultrasound Flow Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems using phased array devices are limited by size and frame-rate, which restricts their ability to effectively differentiate between dynamic and static contents within a vessel, particularly in cardiac applications due to the need for multiple element transducer systems and wiring, and the method of acquiring flow data through successive lines.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system employing a swept transducer movably disposed within an elongate member, with an actuator moving the transducer through an arc, and a control system processing echo amplitude and velocity data to generate images that differentiate between dynamic and static contents within a vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phased array devices with multiple element transducers are used, then imaging capability is improved, but device size increases beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging functionality from a complex multi-element phased array system and implements it using a single-element transducer that mechanically sweeps through an arc. This removes the unnecessary complexity of multiple elements, wiring, and electronics while maintaining the essential imaging capability through sequential scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the phased array imaging capability using a different physical approach - a single transducer element that physically moves to sweep through the imaging sector, replicating the imaging function without requiring multiple simultaneous elements.
2Measurement precision
If flow data is acquired through successive lines using flow groups, then flow imaging is achieved, but frame rate is reduced relative to B-mode imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges B-mode imaging and flow data acquisition into a single unified process. By using a single-element transducer that sweeps through the same arc for both structural imaging and flow measurement, the system eliminates the need for separate flow group acquisitions, thereby maintaining frame rate while achieving flow imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-element swept transducer performs multiple functions - it acquires both B-mode structural images and flow velocity data during the same sweep motion. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve flow imaging without sacrificing frame rate, as the same hardware and motion sequence serve dual purposes.
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 enhances the ability to image flow and differentiate between moving blood and stationary tissue, improving the visualization and quantification of vascular structures, thereby aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound emitter and receiver movably disposed within an elongate member
Implementation Method 2
receiving from the receiver ultrasound echo data associated with the sequence of pulses emitted along the path
Implementation Method 3
processing the ultrasound echo data to generate an image based on echo amplitude data and echo velocity data
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system is disclosed. The system comprises an ultrasound emitter and receiver movably disposed within an elongate member, an actuator coupled to the emitter, and a control system. The actuator moves the emitter through a path comprising at least a portion of an arc. The control system controls the emission of a sequence of pulses from the emitter and receives from the receiver ultrasound echo data associated with the sequence of pulses emitted along the path. The control system processes the ultrasound echo data to generate a cross-sectional image of an internal structure based on echo amplitude data and echo velocity data.