Ultrasound Foreign Object Fragmentation in Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing foreign objects from tissues often result in scarring or require complex imaging and anesthesia, and are not effective for all types of tissues, indicating a need for a non-invasive technique with fewer side effects.
Innovation Solution
The method employs acoustic energy treatment using ultrasound energy to create an acousto-mechanical or acousto-elastic effect in the foreign object, fragmenting it into sub-particles that can be removed by the immune system, utilizing a tunable energy distribution function to target the object within the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If surgical cutting is used to remove foreign objects, then the foreign object can be removed, but scarring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical cutting with acoustic energy (ultrasound) to fragment and remove foreign objects. The ultrasound energy creates acousto-mechanical effects that break down the foreign object into sub-particles without requiring physical incision, thereby eliminating scarring while maintaining effective removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the form of acousto-mechanical effects where ultrasound energy causes rapid compression and expansion cycles that exceed the fragmentation threshold of the foreign object. This transforms the foreign object from a solid embedded structure into fragmented sub-particles that can be cleared by the immune system
2Ease of manufacture
If ESWL is used to shatter kidney stones, then the stones can be fragmented, but complex imaging and anesthesia are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential fragmentation function from the complex ESWL system, isolating the acousto-mechanical effect as the core mechanism. By focusing solely on the ultrasound-induced fragmentation without the ancillary imaging and anesthesia components, the method achieves stone fragmentation with simplified procedural requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the foreign object to be cleared through the body's own immune system after fragmentation. The sub-particles generated by acousto-mechanical effects are naturally phagocytosed and removed by immune cells, eliminating the need for surgical extraction or complex post-treatment procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If ESWL is used for treatment, then kidney stones can be shattered, but surrounding health tissue is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies acoustic energy with spatially selective characteristics, concentrating the acousto-mechanical effects precisely at the foreign object location. The energy distribution is optimized to exceed the fragmentation threshold of the foreign object while maintaining lower intensity in surrounding healthy tissue, thereby protecting adjacent structures from damage
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
This approach allows for non-invasive removal of foreign objects with minimal tissue damage, effectively fragmenting objects embedded in tissues and facilitating their immune-mediated clearance without scarring or the need for extensive imaging or anesthesia.
Implementation Method 1
directing a pulsed first ultrasound energy from the ultrasound energy source into the foreign object, thereby initiating an acousto-mechanical or acousto-elastic effect in the foreign object
Implementation Method 2
directing a pulsed first ultrasound energy from the ultrasound energy source into the foreign object, thereby initiating an acousto-mechanical or acousto-elastic effect in the foreign object
Implementation Method 3
The acousto-mechanical or acousto-elastic effect in the foreign object can exceed a fragmentation threshold of the foreign object
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for acoustic treatment of tissue are provided. Acoustic energy, for example ultrasound energy, under proper functional control can penetrate deeply and be controlled precisely in tissue. Some aspects provide a method configured for removal of at least a portion of an object, such as a foreign material, in tissue.