Multi-element Ultrasound Transducer Array for Deep Tissue Sonodynamic Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sonodynamic therapy techniques face challenges in delivering effective, non-invasive treatment due to issues such as acoustic wave divergence, high intensity requirements, and attenuation and reflection of acoustic pressure by the body, particularly the skull.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple ultrasound transducers or a single transducer with multiple elements positioned outside the body to generate planar acoustic waves, allowing for constructive interference and broader energy distribution, thereby reducing the need for high intensity and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single needle-like catheter device is used for minimally invasive sonodynamic therapy, then the procedure is simpler and less invasive, but the acoustic wave field strength falls off due to spherical divergence and cannot provide sufficient intensity at depth
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter device is divided into multiple acoustic elements (first, second, and third elements) arranged in a specific configuration. Each element radiates acoustic waves that collectively form a more uniform field, reducing spherical divergence and providing sufficient intensity at treatment depths while maintaining minimal invasiveness.
2Reliability
If higher acoustic intensities are used near the catheter device to activate sonosensitizer at depth, then the treatment efficacy improves, but indiscriminate cell death occurs creating a necrotic region around the catheter
Solution Approach 1:
Different acoustic elements are configured to radiate waves with specific characteristics (spherical, cylindrical, or planar) tailored to their position and function. This creates localized zones with appropriate intensity levels - sufficient for sonosensitizer activation at the target depth while maintaining safe levels near the catheter to prevent necrosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulsed acoustic wave delivery with specific duty cycles and间歇性 treatment protocols. This periodic action allows tissue to recover between pulses, preventing cumulative thermal damage and necrosis while still achieving effective sonosensitizer activation at the treatment site.
3Ease of operation
If high intensity focused ultrasound is used to treat lesions, then non-invasive treatment is achieved, but the acoustic pressure is attenuated and reflected by the skull and body tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional focused ultrasound approaches to a multi-element array configuration that radiates in multiple dimensions. By arranging elements to create planar or cylindrical wavefronts rather than spherical convergence, the system achieves better penetration through the skull and body tissues with reduced attenuation and reflection effects.
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 enables a non-invasive, low-intensity sonodynamic therapy that can penetrate deeper into the body, improving treatment efficacy while reducing side effects and costs, and allowing for more frequent and early treatment of lesions.
Implementation Method 1
The use of multiple ultrasound transducers or a single transducer with multiple elements positioned outside the body to generate planar acoustic waves, allowing for constructive interference and broader energy distribution
Implementation Method 2
Upon activation by the ultrasonic energy, sonodynamic therapy drugs or 'sonosensitisers' produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generate the cytotoxic effect. The detailed mechanisms of ROS production are not fully understood but several studies have indicated that acoustic cavitation and the associated thermal, chemical or luminescence phenomena may be involved.
Implementation Method 3
acoustic cavitation and the associated thermal, chemical or luminescence phenomena may be involved
Data Source
AI summary
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