TEE Probe Electronic Beam Steering for Hemodynamic Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring hemodynamic parameters in critical patients are invasive, do not provide continuous measurements, are inaccurate for unstable patients, and fail to work reliably for obese individuals, as they require manual repositioning of transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probes, leading to variance in measurements.

Innovation Solution

A system equipped with a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe featuring a matrix array of piezoelectric elements and processors that electronically steer an ultrasound beam to obtain multiple clinically relevant views of the heart from a single position, allowing for continuous monitoring without repositioning, using image analysis algorithms to determine parameters like cardiac output, stroke volume, and superior vena cava diameter variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual repositioning of TEE probe is performed to obtain multiple heart views, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to positioning variance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical repositioning of the TEE probe with an electronic beam steering system. The matrix array transducer electronically directs ultrasound beams to acquire multiple cardiac views (apical, lateral, anterior, etc.) from a single fixed probe position, eliminating positioning variance while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane ultrasound probe to a matrix array transducer that operates in three dimensions. This enables electronic steering of ultrasound beams across multiple planes and angles, allowing acquisition of comprehensive cardiac views from a single position by adding spatial dimensionality to the imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If continuous monitoring is implemented for unstable patients, then patient care quality is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to probe movement and repositioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual probe repositioning with electronic beam steering, enabling continuous monitoring of hemodynamic parameters without mechanical intervention. The system maintains accurate measurements during continuous monitoring by keeping the probe stationary and using electronic methods to acquire all necessary cardiac views.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If TEE probe repositioning is required for obese patients, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to increased variance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement completenessVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a matrix array transducer that provides three-dimensional ultrasound beam steering capability, enabling comprehensive cardiac imaging from a single position. This dimensional enhancement allows complete measurement acquisition without the need for probe repositioning, which is particularly beneficial for obese patients where repositioning introduces significant variance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 continuous, accurate monitoring of hemodynamic parameters without the need for manual repositioning, improving reliability and reducing variance in measurements, especially for obese patients and those in unstable conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe including an ultrasound transducer comprising a matrix array of piezoelectric elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasound transducer comprising a matrix array of piezoelectric elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11806188B2System and method for determining hemodynamic parameters of a patient

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

This disclosure describes a system that determines hemodynamic parameters of a patient. The system may include a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe including an ultrasound transducer comprising a matrix array of piezoelectric elements, the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe configured to obtain a plurality of clinically relevant views of the patient's heart from a single position. The system may include one or more processors, operatively connected to the TEE probe. The one or more processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to control the TEE probe by electronically steering an ultrasound beam provided by the ultrasound transducer to obtain the plurality of clinically relevant views of the patient's heart; receive the plurality of clinically relevant views of the patient's heart provided by the TEE probe; and determine one or more physiological parameters of the patient's heart based on the received plurality of clinically relevant views of the patient's heart.