Fabrication of flexible 2D ultrasound phased arrays for clinical imaging applications

This technology is a method for producing a flexible 2D ultrasound phased array for a wearable, flexible, and comfortable imaging patch.

Unmet Need: Ultrasound tool that conforms to different geometries for continuous monitoring

Ultrasound diagnostics are limited by commercial systems that are unable to gather accurate readings of patients with varying body geometries. Due to the stiff, non-adjustable design of traditional ultrasound imaging probes, certain procedures such as an endotracheal tube insertion are difficult to accomplish without the patient experiencing discomfort. In addition, for similar reasons, current ultrasound systems are not suitable for extended patient monitoring.

The Technology: Methods for producing a flexible ultrasound phased array patch

This technology describes a method of fabricating 2D ultrasound phased arrays in the form of a wearable, flexible, and comfortable imaging patch. The phased array consists of a flexible plex-PCB material connected to an integrated circuit (IC) and a specified number of independent piezoelectric transducers that can each transmit and receive ultrasound signals. Furthermore, the controller in the IC can configure the phased array and adjust to the correct settings dynamically as it conforms to the body. As such, the portability of this technology allows for comfortable long-term patient monitoring that is unachievable using traditional ultrasound probe setups.

Applications:

• Flexible ultrasound imaging tool for medical diagnostics
• Wearable patch for long-term patient monitoring
• Industrial ultrasound tool for non-geometrical surfaces
• Ultrasound tool for veterinary and animal research applications

Advantages:

• Wearable and non-invasive
• Flexible and conforms to different geometries
• Less discomfort than traditional ultrasound tools
• Long-term monitoring capabilities
• Imaging mode and phased array are adjustable

Lead Inventor:

Kenneth Shepard, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Elloian J, Sherman J, Costa T, Shi C, Shepard K. “Ablation of piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride with a 193 nm excimer laser” J Vac Sci Technol A. 2020 May 11; 38(3).

• Costa T, Shi C, Tien K, Shepard KL. “A CMOS 2D transmit beamformer with integrated PZT ultrasound transducers for neuromodulation” 2019 IEEE Custom Integrated Circuits Conference. 2019 Apr 14; 1-4.

• Shi C, Costa T, Elloian J, Shepard KL. “Monolithic integration of micron-scale piezoelectric materials with CMOS for biomedical applications” 2018 IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting. 2018 Dec 1; 4-5.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU19259

• Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel