Variable Volume Fluid Bladder for Focused Ultrasound Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focused ultrasound (FUS) systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting the depth of the focal spot within tissue volumes and managing heat generation during therapy, often requiring complex crystal arrangements, electronic circuits, and labor-intensive mechanical adjustments, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential errors in treatment delivery.
Innovation Solution
A variable volume fluid bladder integrated with the FUS transducer probe, connected to two pumps for fluid circulation and depth adjustment, allows for automatic control of the focal spot's position and continuous fluid circulation, eliminating the need for array-type transducers and multiple fluid pathways, and enabling precise depth adjustment and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic refocusing with multiple crystals is used to adjust focal depth, then focal spot depth can be varied, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depth adjustment function from the transducer itself and relocates it to a separate water coupling layer. By removing the need for complex electronic refocusing circuits and array-type transducers, the system achieves focal depth variation through simple mechanical adjustment of the water layer thickness, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium between the transducer and the tissue. By adjusting the thickness of this intermediate water layer, the focal spot depth can be varied without modifying the transducer structure or electronics. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system while achieving the desired adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of water coupling is used to control focal depth, then focal spot position can be changed, but labor and time intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of water coupling with an automated system using peristaltic pumps. These pumps automatically control the water layer thickness by pumping water into or out from the bladder, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustment and significantly reducing labor and time intensity while maintaining precise focal depth control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect the position of the focal spot relative to the target tissue and self-adjust the water coupling thickness through the pump system. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual monitoring and adjustment, reducing operator burden and improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If invasive systems with mechanical depth adjustment are used, then focal depth can be controlled, but potential for error and treatment delivery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the focal spot position and the system automatically adjusts the water coupling thickness to maintain the desired focal depth. This closed-loop feedback control eliminates the potential for human error in manual adjustment and ensures accurate treatment delivery, significantly improving reliability.
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 solution enables efficient and precise adjustment of the focal spot's depth and continuous fluid circulation around the transducer, reducing labor and time intensity, minimizing errors, and improving the delivery of FUS therapy by automating the process and providing a feedback loop for maintaining fluid volume control.
Implementation Method 1
A variable volume fluid bladder integrated into or brought in contact with the probe... By varying under computer or user control the relative speeds of the two pumps, the amount of water flowing into/out of the bladder can be varied, thereby increasing or decreasing the volume of fluid inside the bladder, which in turn changes the depth in tissue of the focal spot
Implementation Method 2
The process of delivering FUS (focused ultrasound) therapy requires the generation of high levels of heat at the transducer surface due to inefficiency in the ability of the transducer to convert electrical energy to mechanical vibrations. This heat must be removed from the surface of the transducer or the transducer may fail. The most common way to do this is to circulate water, which may be cooled, around the transducer.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing focused ultrasound may include a focused ultrasound probe including at least one transducer. At least one variable volume fluid bladder may be positioned between at least a portion of the transducer and tissue to be treated. The system may further include a reservoir containing fluid and a first pump operatively connected to the bladder and the reservoir. The first pump may be configured to move fluid into the bladder. A second pump may be operatively connected to the bladder and the reservoir. The second pump may be configured to move fluid out of the bladder.