Enhanced Acoustically Transparent Window for Intraluminal Ultrasound Imaging Devices

Publication ID: 24-11857361_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Acoustically Transparent Window for Intraluminal Ultrasound Imaging Devices,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857361_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857361_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,361.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present disclosure relates to a novel, improved acoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging devices, offering enhanced imaging resolution, reduced reflections, and real-time feedback capabilities.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Acoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging device', has limitations in terms of imaging resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel materials, designs, and system integrations to improve the overall performance of the intraluminal ultrasound imaging device.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises an acoustically transparent window integrated with an ultrasound imaging assembly, featuring a novel, spiral-patterned acoustic impedance matching layer to reduce reflections and improve signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, the window can be integrated with a machine learning-based processing system to provide real-time feedback on imaging quality and suggest adjustments to the imaging parameters. Furthermore, the flexible elongate member can be equipped with an integrated, piezoelectric-based acoustic sensor array to detect changes in acoustic impedance and adjust the imaging frequency accordingly. The nanostructured acoustic window coating reduces acoustic reflections and improves imaging resolution at higher frequencies.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel materials, designs, and system integrations that improve the overall performance of the intraluminal ultrasound imaging device. The spiral-patterned acoustic impedance matching layer, machine learning-based processing system, piezoelectric-based acoustic sensor array, and nanostructured acoustic window coating are non-obvious and novel compared to the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the spiral pattern, different materials for the acoustic impedance matching layer, or alternative machine learning algorithms for real-time feedback. Additionally, the inventive concept can be adapted for use in other medical imaging applications, such as intravascular ultrasound or endoscopic ultrasound.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced acoustically transparent window has significant commercial potential in the medical imaging industry, particularly in the fields of intraluminal ultrasound imaging, cardiovascular disease diagnosis, and minimally invasive procedures. The target market includes medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and research institutions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B8/12
A A61 A61B8/445
A A61 A61B8/4477
A A61 A61B8/4494
G G01 G01S7/52085
G G01 G01S15/8906

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically intraluminal ultrasound devices with a focus on acoustic window design and signal processing techniques in interventional and diagnostic medical imaging

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in ultrasound imaging, materials science, signal processing, and medical device miniaturization, holding advanced degrees and practical experience in developing intravascular and intraluminal imaging technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the proposed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the existing ultrasound imaging device design. The PTD's modifications leverage known techniques in signal processing, materials engineering, and sensor integration to incrementally enhance the performance of the original acoustic window concept. These extensions represent standard problem-solving approaches within medical imaging technology development.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible elongate member with an ultrasound imaging assembly
PTD Variation
Integration of piezoelectric-based acoustic sensor array to dynamically adjust imaging frequency
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding adaptive frequency sensing is a predictable optimization technique for improving signal quality, using well-established sensor integration methods known in medical imaging technologies
Source Patent Element
Acoustically transparent window with elastic material layer
PTD Variation
Spiral-patterned acoustic impedance matching layer to reduce reflections
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying acoustic interface geometries to improve signal transmission is a standard design approach for minimizing acoustic reflections, representing an obvious engineering solution
Source Patent Element
Intraluminal ultrasound imaging device with flexible catheter
PTD Variation
Machine learning-based processing system for real-time imaging quality feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating adaptive signal processing and machine learning into medical imaging devices is a predictable technological progression, utilizing known computational techniques to enhance diagnostic capabilities
Source Patent Element
Elastic innermost layer of the acoustic window
PTD Variation
Nanostructured window coating to improve high-frequency imaging resolution
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface modification using nanoscale engineering techniques is a well-established method for improving material performance, representing an obvious extension of existing materials science approaches
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857361 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed intraluminal ultrasound imaging device modifications to be obvious and predictable extensions of the prior art. The incremental improvements in acoustic window design, signal processing, and sensor integration represent standard engineering problem-solving techniques that would be readily apparent to a skilled practitioner in medical imaging technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,361
TitleAcoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging device
Assignee(s)Koninklijke Philips N.V.