Transesophageal HIFU Probe with Phased Array and Multiplane Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for atrial fibrillation, such as the Maze III procedure and transvenous radio frequency catheter ablation, are invasive and inefficient for persistent forms, and existing ultrasonic devices are complex and require direct contact with the heart, limiting their applicability for minimally invasive procedures like the 'Mini-Maze' procedure.
Innovation Solution
A transesophageal device featuring a 1D phased array annular piezoelectric therapy transducer combined with a multiplane imaging transducer, allowing for electronic focusing and real-time visualization without the need for complex interconnections or direct contact, enabling the performance of the 'Mini-Maze' procedure with enhanced precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a 2D phased array transducer is used for electronic focusing and deflection of HIFU beam, then the capability to perform ablation without mechanical rotation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transducer into two separate functional components: a 1D phased array transducer for electronic beam focusing and deflection in one dimension, and a mechanical rotation system for sweeping the beam through three dimensions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full 3D beam control capability.
2Reliability
If existing ultrasonic devices are positioned in direct contact with the epicardium or intracardiac manner, then the HIFU treatment capability is achieved, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the esophagus as an intermediary medium to position the transducer near the left atrium without direct cardiac contact. The esophageal wall acts as a natural acoustic coupling medium, allowing HIFU energy to be transmitted through it to reach the target tissue in the left atrium, thereby achieving minimally invasive treatment while maintaining effective HIFU delivery.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a transesophageal HIFU device is designed for minimally invasive procedure, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the ability to visualize targeted tissue in real time and without imposed imaging plane is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the HIFU therapy transducer and the imaging transducer into a single integrated probe assembly. This merging allows both therapeutic and diagnostic functions to be performed from the same minimally invasive transesophageal position, enabling real-time visualization of the target tissue in multiple planes without requiring additional invasive imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional probe that simultaneously performs HIFU therapy delivery and real-time imaging in multiple planes. The single probe assembly can both treat the cardiac tissue and visualize the treatment area, eliminating the need for separate imaging systems and maintaining the minimally invasive approach while providing comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.
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 device facilitates minimally invasive transmural thermal ablations, providing precise control over the HIFU beam and real-time visualization, reducing the risk of secondary lesions and improving treatment efficacy for atrial fibrillation while being economically viable and suitable for transesophageal use.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric therapy transducer, hereafter therapy transducer having an acoustic axis BB'
Implementation Method 2
High Intensity Focused Ultrasounds (HIFU) can penetrate deeply into tissue and produce large lesions by thermal mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
an imaging transducer being a multiplane transducer configured to rotate about the acoustic axis of the therapy transducer
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)~5(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a probe comprising: - a piezoelectric therapy transducer having an acoustic axis BB', and - an imaging transducer having an imaging plane, said therapy transducer and imaging transducer being mounted in a head itself connected to a guide means wherein: - the therapy transducer has a spherical concave front face for emitting ultrasonic waves focused on a focal point, a rear surface, a length d1, a width t and is a ID annular phased array transducer and; - the imaging transducer is a multiplane transducer having a rotation axis corresponding to the acoustic axis of the therapy transducer whereby the focal point of the therapy transducer is comprised in the imaging plane of the imaging transducer, said imaging transducer being fixed to the therapy transducer.