Ultrasonic Transducer Zipper Array for Needle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic systems face challenges in accurately determining the position and trajectory of needles during medical procedures due to 'needle not in plane' issues, where the needle only partially intersects the image plane, leading to difficulties in precise control and potential misdirection.
Innovation Solution
A two-longitudinal-plane linear ultrasonic transducer with a zipper array of transducing elements that employs an incomplete mixing technique of bilateral soundwaves to reconstruct a central image plane, mitigating blind zones and providing stereotactic perception beyond single image planes, allowing for improved needle visualization and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single longitudinal plane transducer is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of needle position and trajectory is insufficient due to needle not in plane problem
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple independent longitudinal planes (at least two), each capable of detecting soundwaves independently. This segmentation allows the system to detect needles from multiple planes simultaneously, resolving the needle not in plane problem while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single 2D image plane to multiple 3D longitudinal planes by adding the elevation dimension. This dimensional expansion enables stereotactic perception and allows detection of needles that are not confined to a single plane, significantly improving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If multiple tilted image planes are collected to confirm needle moving direction, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to dependence on user experience and repeated transducer rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily establishes multiple longitudinal detection planes before needle insertion, creating a pre-configured stereotactic detection framework. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-insertion transducer rotation and manual plane tilting, making the operation simpler and more reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by simultaneously displaying multiple longitudinal image planes, allowing automatic confirmation of needle moving direction without relying on user experience. The feedback mechanism guides the needle trajectory through objective, multi-plane visual information
3Measurement precision
If two longitudinal planes are used with gap between columns, then the stereotactic perception is improved, but a blind zone is created in the gap area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the detection capabilities of multiple longitudinal planes by reconstructing a central image plane from soundwaves detected by both left and right columns. This merging eliminates the blind zone in the gap area while preserving the stereotactic perception benefits of multi-plane detection
Solution Approach 2:
The central image plane acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the left and right longitudinal planes. It is reconstructed from bilateral soundwaves and provides detection coverage in the previously blind gap area, completing the detection field without requiring physical transducer elements in the gap
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
The solution enhances the ability to accurately determine the needle's position and trajectory, reducing the risk of misdirection and improving the precision of needle placement by reconstructing a high-quality central image plane and providing comprehensive stereotactic perception.
Implementation Method 1
A surface of the head is embedded with left column of transducing elements and right column of transducing elements... the transducer can detect the soundwaves from the gap between the left plane and the right image plane
Implementation Method 2
The mixing of bilateral soundwave is used to reconstruct an extra central image plane in addition to the left and the right image plane in the 2L transducer. Herein, the mixing of the bilateral soundwaves mitigates a 'blind zone' caused by a gap between two columns of transducing elements
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides an ultrasonic transducer with a zipper array of transducing elements, which includes a tail and a head. A surface of the head is embedded with a plurality of left transducing elements and a plurality of right transducing elements, wherein each left transducing element at least partially overlaps each right transducing element in an elevation axis.