Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Vaso Vasorum Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging methods lack the capability to effectively quantify the presence of vaso vasorum, which are small blood vessels formed in injured endothelial areas and are vulnerable to plaque formation, making it difficult to assess the risk of vascular disease.
Innovation Solution
A method using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to administer an ultrasound contrast agent, measure its uptake by tissues, and correlate the signal intensity changes with the presence of vaso vasorum, while also analyzing deformations in the vasculature to determine a risk index for vascular disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging methods are used, then general vascular structure can be visualized, but quantitative measurement of vaso vasorum is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ultrasound contrast agent as an intermediary substance that accumulates in vaso vasorum. This agent serves as a mediator between the ultrasound imaging system and the tiny blood vessels, enabling quantitative detection through signal intensity measurements while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from general structural visualization to quantitative signal intensity analysis. By measuring the intensity of ultrasound signals from contrast agents accumulated in vaso vasorum, the system achieves precise quantitative measurement without requiring complex hardware modifications
2Reliability
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used, then vascular structure can be seen, but risk assessment for vascular disease is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses contrast agents that change the acoustic properties of blood vessels, creating distinguishable signal variations. This allows vaso vasorum to be detected and quantified through signal intensity changes, making invisible or difficult-to-detect structures visible and measurable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by administering the contrast agent before imaging to allow accumulation in vaso vasorum. This preparatory step ensures that when imaging is performed, the contrast agent has already localized in the target structures, facilitating accurate detection and risk assessment
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 the quantitative measurement of vaso vasorum presence and deformation, providing a risk index that indicates the likelihood of vascular disease, enabling more accurate assessment and visualization of vulnerable areas.
Implementation Method 1
the piezoelectric elements change in size at a frequency corresponding to that of the applied voltage. When a voltage pulse is applied, the piezoelectric element emits an ultrasonic wave into the media
Implementation Method 2
when an ultrasonic wave strikes the piezoelectric element, the element produces a corresponding voltage across its electrodes
Implementation Method 3
The amplitude of the echo signal is proportional to the scattering strength of the refractors in the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for quantifying the extent of vaso vasorum with contrast enhanced ultrasound and correlating that quantitative value to the risk for vascular disease is provided. An ultrasound contrast agent is administered to a subject and images are obtained using an imaging method that identifies the uptake of the contrast agent by tissues. The amount of uptake is measured and the corresponding signal intensity change correlated with the amount of vaso vasorum present. Additionally, deformations of the vasculature are measured from the series of ultrasound images and this information is coupled with the quantification of the vaso vasorum to determine a risk index indicative of a subject's risk to vascular disease.