Ultrasonic Probe Needle Detection for Puncture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current puncture techniques using ultrasonic probes face challenges in accurately aligning puncture needles with the scanning plane, leading to potential wobbling issues with mismatched needle and guide diameters, and visibility problems with guideline markers, especially when the target area is perpendicular to the scanning plane.
Innovation Solution
A puncture guiding apparatus with a detection unit, such as a camera or optical sensor, integrated with the ultrasonic probe to detect the needle's position relative to the scanning plane, providing real-time feedback on whether the needle is in-plane or out-of-plane, allowing technicians to adjust for accurate puncture alignment without the need for adapters or additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a puncture adapter with a puncture guide is used, then puncture accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and the guide must be replaced depending on needle diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera to capture images of the puncture needle and generates overlay images that show the positional relationship between the needle and scanning plane. This visual feedback mechanism allows the operator to adjust needle positioning in real-time, achieving accurate puncture alignment without requiring complex mechanical guides or multiple adapters for different needle diameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If a guideline marker is provided near the living body contacting part, then puncture alignment is improved, but the marker may be hidden behind the living body and become difficult to find
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a physical guideline marker that may be obscured by the patient's body, the patent creates a virtual overlay image that is superimposed on the ultrasound image. This digital copy of the needle's positional information is displayed on the screen, ensuring continuous visibility and accurate alignment guidance without being blocked by the living body.
3Device complexity
If the technician manually aligns the needle with the scanning plane, then device complexity is reduced, but puncture accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in determining positional relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures images of the puncture needle using a camera and generates overlay images that clearly display whether the needle is in-plane or out-of-plane relative to the scanning plane. This automated visual feedback eliminates the need for complex mechanical alignment devices while significantly improving puncture accuracy by providing real-time positional information to the operator.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the puncture needle diameter does not match the puncture guide diameter, then adaptability is reduced, but wobbling occurs and accurate puncture cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture and overlay technology to monitor needle positioning rather than relying on mechanical fit between needle and guide. This approach allows accommodation of various needle diameters without requiring different guides, as the visual feedback system can detect and indicate the positional relationship between any needle and the scanning plane, preventing wobbling and ensuring accurate puncture.
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 precise needle alignment with the scanning plane, reducing the risk of wobbling and improving accuracy in puncture procedures, regardless of needle diameter or target orientation, by providing clear positional feedback to the technician.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit configured to detect passage of a puncture needle, the detection unit arranged in a vicinity of a living body contacting surface of an ultrasonic probe
Data Source
AI summary
A puncture guiding apparatus includes a detector and processing circuitry. The detector is configured to detect passage of a puncture needle, the detector arranged in a vicinity of a living body contacting surface of an ultrasonic probe that is brought into contact with a living body. The processing circuitry is configured to output identification information for identifying a positional relationship between the puncture needle and a scanning plane of the ultrasonic probe based on a detection result obtained by the detector.