Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Fetal Cardiac Conduction Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses lack the capability to objectively and quantitatively measure the conduction time difference of electric signals in the heart, particularly in fetuses, where direct electrocardiographic signal measurement is difficult, making it challenging to diagnose cardiac muscle abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that sets observation points on the heart's conduction pathways, tracks their temporal displacement, generates displacement waveforms, and analyzes these waveforms to calculate time differences, providing a numerical or graphical representation of the conduction time difference, allowing for quantitative evaluation of cardiac muscle characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct electrocardiographic signal measurement is used, then conduction time can be accurately measured, but it becomes difficult to apply to fetal heart assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic imaging as an intermediary method to indirectly measure cardiac conduction time by tracking the motion of cardiac structures (such as the interventricular septum) rather than directly measuring electrical signals. This mediator approach allows conduction time assessment in fetuses where direct ECG measurement is not feasible, while still providing quantitative data through displacement waveform analysis of tracked observation points along the conduction pathway.
2Ease of operation
If only two-dimensional visual observation of cardiac motion is used, then the method is simple, but it is difficult to objectively identify conduction abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual observation with automated computer-based tracking and waveform analysis systems. The system automatically tracks observation points through multiple frames, generates displacement waveforms, and calculates conduction time differences objectively. This substitution of manual visual assessment with automated mechanical/electronic measurement systems enables precise quantification of conduction abnormalities while maintaining ease of operation through integrated software functionality.
3Measurement precision
If multiple observation points are tracked and waveforms are generated, then conduction can be quantitatively evaluated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus: image formation, automated tracking of multiple observation points, waveform generation, and conduction time calculation all occur within one system. The apparatus uses universal components (ultrasonic transducer, processor, display) to perform diverse functions including structural imaging, motion tracking, waveform analysis, and diagnostic evaluation, thereby achieving quantitative assessment without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 objective and quantitative diagnosis of cardiac muscle conduction and function, particularly beneficial for fetal heart assessments, facilitating early preparation for potential postnatal heart diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitting unit 12 for transmitting ultrasound to a living body and receiving the reflected wave
Implementation Method 2
a tracking unit 22 which tracks each of the observation points to determine a temporal displacement of each of the observation points
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can measure a time difference of motion between a plurality of sites of a cardiac muscle for the heart of a fetus is provided. On a tomographic image of the heart, a user sets a plurality of observation points. Each observation point is tracked, and a plurality of displacement waveforms representing a temporal displacement of the plurality of observation points are generated. A time difference between a plurality of representative points is calculated between the plurality of displacement waveforms. Such a time difference is displayed as a numerical value or as a graph. The representative point is a peak point, a zero-cross point, an inflection point, or the like. The plurality of observation points are set along conduction pathways in the heart for the electric signal.