Efficient Ultrasonic Energy Transmission Through Flexible Waveguide for Minimally Invasive Surgery
摘要
Thromboembolic diseases present a significant global health challenge. Ultrasound thrombolysis is a preferred therapeutic approach due to its user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and excellent safety profile, with minimal side effects. Nevertheless, a key challenge challenge remains: efficiently transmitting ultrasound energy through the complex human vasculature for precise thrombus targeting. This paper analyzes how the waveguide bending position and curvature radius affect ultrasound propagation and electrical characteristics. Experimental findings reveal that the bending position has the most significant impact, with output energy and electrical resistance exhibiting periodic fluctuations that reflect the periodicity of the ultrasonic wavelength. When the bending position aligns with a wave node, vibration mode transmission achieves optimal stability, maximizing ultrasound energy delivery while minimizing electrical resistance. Based on these findings, we propose a novel theory for efficient ultrasound transmission through curved pathways and design an innovative intravascular ultrasound ablation device that significantly enhances ultrasound efficacy. Simulated intravascular ablation experiments confirm the device effectiveness in treating vascular occlusions under various bending conditions, validating the proposed theory. This research advances the optimization of ultrasonic energy transmission through complex pathways, with broad applications across multiple fields.