Ultrasonic Therapy Applicator Gas-Coupled Transducer Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound therapy systems face challenges in designing effective and efficient ultrasonic arrays for thermal therapy, particularly in trans-urethral prostate cancer treatment, regarding the delivery of controlled thermal energy and minimizing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled RF driving unit powers piezo-electric ultrasound transducer elements within an ultrasonic array system, featuring a flared transition portion for safe insertion, a gas-filled separation between transducers and the circuit board for efficient energy radiation, and a rotational mechanical coupling for 360-degree treatment, along with a fluid conduit for temperature monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic transducers are directly coupled to the circuit board for power delivery, then electrical connection is simplified, but ultrasonic energy radiation is blocked and heating of the circuit board occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A gas-filled chamber is introduced as an intermediary between the ultrasonic transducer and the circuit board. This gas layer acts as an acoustic transmission medium that allows ultrasonic energy to pass through while providing thermal isolation to prevent circuit board heating, thus resolving the contradiction between direct coupling simplicity and energy radiation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful thermal effect is extracted and isolated from the circuit board by creating a gas-filled separation zone. This removes the adverse thermal interaction while maintaining the electrical connection, allowing the transducer to be coupled to the circuit board without direct thermal contact
2Productivity
If the ultrasonic array delivers high power for effective thermal therapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic array is designed with independent controllable elements that can deliver different power levels to different spatial zones. This allows high power to be concentrated on the diseased tissue while surrounding healthy tissue receives lower power, achieving effective thermal therapy while minimizing tissue damage and patient discomfort
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
This configuration enhances the delivery of controlled ultrasonic energy for effective thermal therapy, improving treatment outcomes while minimizing discomfort and tissue stress, and allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the therapy process.
Implementation Method 1
A computer-controlled RF driving unit powers piezo-electric ultrasound transducer elements within an ultrasonic array system
Implementation Method 2
Phased ultrasound arrays of transducers operating to form a beam of ultrasonic energy cause a conversion of sound to thermal energy in the affected tissue areas
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for thermal therapy in a male prostate patient. The apparatus includes, in preferred embodiments, a long tubular element that is to be inserted into a patient's urethra so that a first tip end of it reaches up into the patient's diseased prostate. The elongated portion includes a narrow cylindrical tube within which an ultrasonic array is disposed along the long axis of the cylinder. Fluid is pumped into and out of a treatment zone of said patient as needed to control a temperature of a region in said treatment zone. A motorized driver is used to controllably rotate said elongated portion and the ultrasound array therein about the long axis of the apparatus so as to deliver acoustic energy to said diseased tissue. Various control and monitoring components may be used in conjunction with the present apparatus to design, control, and terminate the therapy.