Vein Localization by Flow-Induced Imaging of Collapsed Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating veins, such as those used in varicose veins, are invasive and risk perforation, particularly in tortuous veins, and struggle with reliable visualization of collapsed veins during non-invasive thermal treatments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving vein collapsing, blood flow induction, and imaging techniques like colour Doppler, pulsed wave Doppler, and B-mode ultrasound imaging to visualize and localize collapsed veins, followed by targeted HIFU treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vein is collapsed to stop blood flow during thermal treatment, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the vein becomes invisible or poorly visible in imaging
Solution Approach 1:
Blood flow is induced into the collapsed vein segment before imaging is performed. This preliminary action of restoring blood flow allows the vein to become visible in the imaging device, enabling accurate localization and focusing of the HIFU device before the vein is collapsed again for treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The vein undergoes periodic collapse and blood flow induction cycles. The vein is collapsed for treatment, then blood flow is induced to make it visible for imaging, creating a periodic sequence that alternates between treatment and visualization states, allowing both requirements to be met at different times
2Ease of manufacture
If invasive catheter insertion is used to treat veins, then treatment can be delivered, but the risk of perforation and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invasive mechanical catheter insertion method is replaced with a non-invasive HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) system. The HIFU device delivers thermal energy to the vein through focused ultrasound waves without requiring physical insertion into the vein, thereby eliminating the risk of perforation associated with catheter-based methods
Solution Approach 2:
An imaging device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the target vein. By providing real-time visualization of the collapsed vein, the imaging device enables precise targeting and focusing of the HIFU energy without requiring invasive access, allowing treatment to be delivered through the skin and soft tissues
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
Enables reliable visualization and non-invasive thermal treatment of veins by ensuring the vein segment is clearly visible during treatment, reducing the risk of perforation and improving treatment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a blood flow is induced into the collapsed vein segment... The collapsing site is imaged with the imaging device... wherein at least one of colour Doppler, pulsed wave Doppler and B-mode imaging is used
Implementation Method 2
Since the occlusion of veins by coagulation of the vein wall relies on thermal effects... at least one pulse of HIFU waves is emitted onto the targeted collapsing site
Implementation Method 3
the occlusion of veins by coagulation of the vein wall relies on thermal effects
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of localizing and preferably visualizing a vein within a limb, preferably within a leg, of a patient, with an imaging device, the method comprising the following steps: fully or partially collapsing at least a segment of the vein to be localized at a collapsing site during a collapsing step; inducing blood flow within the vein at the collapsing site, while the segment of the vein is fully or partially collapsed, during a pumping step; and visualizing the collapsing site with the imaging device in an imaging step at least during the pumping step.