Analytical Design Approach for Radial-scanning Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging Transducers

Case ID:

C17036

Value Proposition

· Optimized Imaging Framework: Utilizes an analytical radial synthetic aperture focusing (rSAF) approach to provide the highest possible spatial resolution and image quality while minimizing grating lobe artifacts

· Transformable Radius: Allows the transducer to contract during insertion for improved accessibility and expand during scanning for optimized imaging

· Patient Comfort: Enhances patient comfort by reducing the transducer diameter during insertion

· Broad Applications: Supports diverse clinical use, including transrectal and intravascular imaging

Unmet Need

· The global transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) market is projected to reach $371.3 million by 2030 (Fortune Business Insights). TRUS demand is largely driven by prostate biopsies. There are approximately one million prostate biopsies performed annually in the US (Cleveland Clinic).

· Current TRUS devices use small transducers to reduce pain but provide suboptimal imaging quality, while larger transducers improve imaging but cause more pain and produce grating lobe artifacts.

· Thus, there exists a strong need for developing a solution that reduces patient pain while optimizing image quality.

Technology Description

· Current transrectal imaging methods cause patient discomfort or deliver suboptimal image quality.

· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a transrectal ultrasound device that reduces discomfort while providing the highest possible spatial resolution and image quality. The device features a transformable radius and an analytical radial synthetic aperture focusing (rSAF) framework.

· The transformable radius allows the transducer to contract during insertion for easier access and expand during scanning to optimize imaging.

· The analytical rSAF solution maximizes spatial resolution and image quality while reducing grating lobe artifacts.

Stage of Development

· As of 8/23/2021: The theoretical foundation had been established and validated with extensive simulations. Efforts at the time were focused on prototype development and preclinical and clinical validations.

Data Availability

· Data available upon request.

Publication