Ultrasonic Transducer Array Positioning for Prostate Thermal Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound therapy systems face challenges in designing effective arrays for thermal therapy, particularly in trans-urethral prostate cancer treatment, where improved thermal therapy delivery and safety are needed while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An image-guided thermal therapy system with an elongated cylindrical body containing an array of ultrasonic sources, fiducial markers, a rotational mechanical coupling, and a fluid conduit, allowing for precise positioning and controlled thermal therapy delivery using a combination of electrical and mechanical components, including a printed circuit board and epoxy pads for efficient energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an array of ultrasonic sources is used for thermal therapy, then thermal therapy effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic array is divided into multiple individual transducer elements that can be independently controlled. Each element is a separate component with its own piezoelectric crystal, allowing the array to be segmented into manageable units that can be individually addressed and controlled by the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic array system performs multiple functions: it delivers therapeutic ultrasound energy for thermal therapy, incorporates fiducial markers for imaging and positioning, includes a rotational mechanism for multi-angle treatment, and integrates fluid cooling pathways. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated system.
2Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are incorporated for positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiducial markers are integrated into the ultrasonic array structure itself rather than being separate components. The markers are embedded within or on the transducer elements, merging the positioning reference system with the therapeutic ultrasound delivery system, thereby improving positioning accuracy without adding significant complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotational mechanism is added for multi-angle treatment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic array is mounted on a rotational mechanism that allows the entire array to be dynamically repositioned to different angles during treatment. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various treatment scenarios and target different regions of tissue by rotating the array to the appropriate orientation, providing angular flexibility without requiring multiple fixed arrays.
4Manufacturing precision
If epoxy pads of finite thickness are used to couple transducers to circuit board, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Epoxy pads of controlled finite thickness are used as intermediary coupling layers between the ultrasonic transducer elements and the circuit board. These epoxy pads serve as precision spacers and electrical insulators, maintaining a specific air gap between the transducer back surfaces and the circuit board while providing mechanical support and electrical connection pathways, thereby improving manufacturing precision without significantly increasing overall 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
The system enables improved thermal therapy by ensuring precise positioning of ultrasonic transducers and controlled energy delivery, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic transducers are constructed and operated to take electrical power and produce ultrasound energy waves from a surface of a transducer element in a process generally referred to as transduction
Implementation Method 2
Arrays of ultrasound transducers operating to form a beam of ultrasonic energy cause a conversion of sound to thermal energy in the affected tissue areas or treatment volumes, and a subsequent beneficial rise in the temperature in the treatment volumes
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for thermal therapy in a male prostate patient. The apparatus includes 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.