Transrectal Ultrasound Probe Segmentation for Patient Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transrectal ultrasonic probes used in prostate biopsies cause significant discomfort to patients due to their design, and existing solutions do not adequately address this issue while providing controlled imaging and biopsy capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A transrectal ultrasonic probe with a housing that allows for controlled translational and rotational movement of the ultrasonic transducer within a narrow distal scanning portion, featuring a first elongate portion for insertion and a second elongate portion for support, with a platform assembly and movable member that facilitate precise positioning and imaging, reducing patient discomfort and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the probe is made larger to provide better support and imaging capabilities, then the imaging quality and support are improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into two distinct elongate portions: a narrow first elongate portion for insertion into the rectum that causes minimal discomfort, and a larger second elongate portion that provides support and houses the imaging system. This segmentation allows the probe to maintain imaging quality while reducing patient discomfort during insertion.
2Device complexity
If the transducer is made stationary to simplify the design, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and imaging accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer is mounted on a movable platform that can translate and rotate relative to the probe axis, enabling dynamic positioning for optimal imaging angles and planes. This dynamic capability allows the transducer to achieve precise positioning and maintain imaging accuracy while the overall probe design remains relatively simple through the use of standard mechanical components.
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 improved probe design reduces patient discomfort during procedures by allowing for precise positioning and imaging with reduced probe movement, while maintaining the quality of ultrasound images and supporting the coiled coax for transducer signal data, enabling effective biopsy and guidance in prostate and other tissue sampling procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The probe includes one or more ultrasonic transducers which generate a narrow pulse of sound which propagates through surrounding tissue and is reflected back to and captured by the transducer
Implementation Method 2
The density of the tissue and its distance from the transducer effects the properties of the return signal or backscatter received by the transducer. In this manner, the properties of the return signal or backscatter can be used to construct an image of the secondary tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a probe for imaging tissue within a body cavity. The probe includes a housing which has a first substantially narrow elongate distal portion insertable into a body cavity, and a second elongate portion proximal of the first elongate portion. The narrow distal portion houses a transducer which is longitudinally translatable and rotatable relative thereto. The second elongate portion houses a platform assembly and a movable member. The platform assembly includes a transmission system and a frame, both of which are coupled to the transducer by at least one connector such that rotational movement of the platform assembly within the second elongate portion effectuates rotation of the transducer within the first elongate portion, and translational movement of the moveable member within the second elongate portion effectuates translational movement of the transducer within the first elongate portion. The probe is used with a needle assembly and delivery system.