Thermoacoustic Probe With Acoustic Extinction Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

In thermoacoustic imaging, sub-optimal coupling of RF applicators to tissue leads to inefficient energy transfer, reduced signal intensity, non-uniform energy deposition, tissue hotspots, overheating, and poor image quality due to interference from spurious acoustic waves, making it challenging to perform effectively in clinical settings, especially with handheld devices.

Innovation Solution

A thermoacoustic probe with a radio-frequency (RF) applicator, an integral electromagnetic matching and acoustic extinction layer, and an optical transducer, where the acoustic extinction layer provides high acoustic attenuation and is shaped to minimize spurious wave propagation, and the optical transducer is coupled to the RF emitter at the applicator's aperture to enhance signal reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If RF applicator is directly coupled to tissue, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but spurious acoustic wave interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidspurious acoustic wave interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An acoustic extinction layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the RF applicator and the tissue. This layer is specifically designed to absorb and attenuate spurious acoustic waves generated at the applicator-tissue interface while maintaining effective RF energy transfer to the tissue for thermoacoustic imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic extinction layer converts the harmful spurious acoustic waves into beneficial attenuation, preventing these interfering waves from propagating into the tissue and overwhelming the desired thermoacoustic signals. The layer transforms the problematic acoustic interference into a controlled attenuation effect that improves overall signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If acoustic extinction layer is added to reduce spurious waves, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic extinction layer is integrated into the RF applicator assembly as a unified structure rather than a separate component. This merging approach maintains signal quality improvement while minimizing the increase in device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic extinction layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it attenuates spurious acoustic waves, maintains acoustic coupling between the applicator and tissue, and supports the RF energy transfer process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If RF applicator coupling is optimized for energy transfer, then heating rate is improved, but tissue hotspots and overheating occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating rateVSAvoidtissue hotspots and overheating

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic extinction layer provides localized acoustic impedance matching and attenuation specifically at the applicator-tissue interface where spurious waves are generated. This local intervention allows high power energy transfer to proceed efficiently while preventing localized acoustic reflections and hotspots that would otherwise occur at the interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 improves energy deposition uniformity, reduces tissue overheating, and enhances image quality by minimizing spurious acoustic wave interference, making the system more effective for clinical use, particularly in handheld applications.

Implementation Method 1

the acoustic extinction layer provides high acoustic attenuation and is shaped to minimize spurious wave propagation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic attenuation: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

Thermoacoustic imaging uses short pulses of electromagnetic energy, such as RF pulses, directed into a subject to heat absorbing features within the subject rapidly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

heat absorbing features within the subject rapidly, which in turn induces acoustic pressure waves that are detected using acoustic receivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoacoustic effect: Thermoacoustic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11828727B1Thermoacoustic probe

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 ENDRA LIFE SCIENCES INC

AI summary

A thermoacoustic probe for a thermoacoustic imaging system, the probe including: a radio-frequency (RF) applicator having an insert, wherein the applicator is configured to transmit at least one radio frequency source; an integral electromagnetic matching and acoustic extinction layer having a substantially flat-planar side and a substantially convex side, wherein the substantially flat-planar side of the integral electromagnetic matching and acoustic extinction layer is coupled to the insert of the RF applicator; and an optical transducer coupled to the substantially convex side of the integral electromagnetic matching and acoustic extinction layer.