Ultrasonic Tracking Probe with Active Catheter Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic probes struggle to clearly detect the position of catheters within deep body regions due to weak passive reflected sound signals and limited focus plane thickness, making it difficult to accurately visualize catheters during procedures like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation without using harmful contrast dye and X-ray exposure.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic probe with four additional ultrasonic receivers at its head and a catheter equipped with four ultrasonic transmitters that actively send signals, allowing for real-time 3D tracking of the catheter position using the triangulation principle, independent of patient position and orientation, and enhancing detection depth by using active ultrasound signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic probes are used to detect catheter position in deep body regions, then the imaging system remains simple, but the detection precision and image clarity deteriorate due to weak passive reflected sound signals
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on passive reflection from the catheter, the invention inverts the approach by having the catheter actively transmit ultrasonic signals. Four ultrasonic transmitters are embedded in the catheter tip to emit signals that are detected by four receivers in the probe, enabling clear deep-region tracking without harmful contrast agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces ultrasonic transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices to facilitate catheter detection. These active ultrasonic components serve as mediators between the catheter and the imaging system, enabling precise position tracking through signal transmission and reception.
2Length of stationary object
If passive reflected sound signals are used for catheter detection, then the device complexity remains low, but the detectable depth and image clarity worsen due to signal attenuation in deep regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the signal direction by having the catheter transmit active ultrasonic signals outward, rather than relying on inward-propagating signals to reflect off the catheter. This inversion enables detection at greater depths since the signal originates from the catheter itself and propagates directly to the probe receivers.
3Measurement precision
If active ultrasonic transmitters are added to the catheter and receivers to the probe, then the detection precision and depth improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: four ultrasonic transmitters embedded in the catheter tip and four ultrasonic receivers positioned in the probe head. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing detection functions across multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from 2D planar ultrasonic imaging to 3D spatial tracking by adding multiple receivers at different positions in the probe head. This dimensional expansion enables triangulation-based 3D position determination of the catheter tip, providing comprehensive spatial awareness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasonic imaging is used, then the system remains simple, but the ability to track catheter position independently of patient movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning four receivers at different spatial locations in the probe head and receiving signals from the catheter transmitter, the system creates a 3D coordinate system for tracking. This multi-dimensional approach allows the catheter position to be tracked independently of patient or probe movement through real-time coordinate transformation.
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 clear and accurate real-time 3D visualization of both catheter and anatomic structures within the body, improving procedures like TAVI by doubling detectable depth and maintaining image clarity regardless of probe or patient movement.
Implementation Method 1
The 3D position of the catheter is determined according to the triangulation principle
Implementation Method 2
conventional ultrasonic probe detects sound reflection and scattering to generate sonographic imaging
Implementation Method 3
conventional ultrasonic probe detects sound reflection and scattering to generate sonographic imaging
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic medical system comprising a tracking probe and a catheter is used for tracking a target inside human body. The ultrasonic probe has additional ultrasound sensors embedded around its main transducer array. A catheter is built with ultrasound transmitters at its distal end and sends active sound signals during each probe scanning cycle. The probe sensors track the 3D position of the target catheter using triangulation principle. The target position is rendered in the 3D anatomic context defined by the ultrasound images.