Ultrasonic Needle Tip Visualization in Deep Tissue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic diagnostic devices struggle to visualize the needle tip in deep tissue due to low signal strength and limited visualization depth, making it difficult to determine the positional relationship between the needle and the target tissue.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic device that includes a tissue image generation unit, a needle information generation unit, a needle direction estimation unit, a search region setting unit, a needle tip search unit, and a needle tip visualizing unit, which work together to estimate the needle direction, set a search region, search for the needle tip, and visualize it on the tissue image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the ultrasonic beam is transmitted in the normal direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving surface, then the visualization depth is improved, but the needle tip cannot be visualized due to specular reflection deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic imaging process into two distinct modes: normal direction transmission for deep tissue visualization and steered direction transmission for needle tip detection. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between visualization depth and needle tip detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that analyzes reflection signal characteristics (particularly high frequency components) to identify needle tip positions. This intermediary analysis bridges the gap between the two transmission modes, enabling accurate needle tip visualization while maintaining deep tissue imaging capability
2Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic beam is steered to be perpendicular to the needle, then the needle can be visualized, but the visualization depth is limited and the needle tip cannot be drawn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using steered ultrasonic beams only in specific regions where needles are suspected to be present, rather than steering the entire beam across the full depth. This allows deep tissue imaging to continue in normal direction while selectively enhancing needle detection in shallower regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first conducting normal direction imaging to visualize deep tissue structures, then using signal analysis to identify potential needle locations, and finally applying steered beams only to those specific regions for needle tip confirmation
3Measurement precision
If the reflection signal from the needle tip is analyzed using frequency differences, then the needle tip position can be recognized, but the frequency difference is small and difficult to distinguish from other portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by analyzing the spatial distribution and directional characteristics of reflection signals in addition to frequency content. This localized multi-parameter analysis enhances the discrimination capability between needle tip signals and other tissue reflections, overcoming the limitation of small frequency differences alone
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 effectively visualizes the needle tip in deep tissue, allowing for accurate determination of the positional relationship between the needle direction and the target tissue, thereby enhancing the precision of ultrasonic diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
generates an ultrasonic image by transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward a subject from the ultrasonic probe, receiving an ultrasonic echo from the subject using the ultrasonic probe
Implementation Method 2
the specular reflection wave from the needle may deviate from the reception opening
Implementation Method 3
receiving an ultrasonic echo from the subject using the ultrasonic probe
Data Source
AI summary
A needle direction estimation unit estimates a needle direction L based on needle information generated by a needle information generation unit, and outputs the position information of the needle direction L. A search region setting unit sets the needle direction L in a tissue image based on the position information of the needle direction L, and sets a search region F that extends to both sides with a predetermined width r. A needle tip search unit calculates the brightness distribution of the tissue image, determines a maximum brightness point B in the search region F to be the needle tip, and outputs the position information of the needle tip. A needle tip visualizing unit visualizes a needle tip N, which is a predetermined point image, in the tissue image from the position information of the needle tip.