3D Tracer Imaging for Sentinel Lymph Node Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying sentinel lymph nodes in organisms, particularly in malignant regions, are inefficient and require repeated imaging processes to accurately locate and confirm the sentinel lymph node for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of a non-radioactive tracer into a body region, emission of characteristic X-rays, and multiple three-dimensional imaging distributions using X-ray detectors positioned at different locations to identify the sentinel lymph node, with the option to repeat imaging processes until confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repeated imaging processes are used to accurately locate and confirm the sentinel lymph node, then identification accuracy is improved, but imaging time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D localization of the sentinel lymph node using multiple X-ray detectors positioned at different locations. This preliminary action creates a comprehensive spatial map before final identification, allowing clinicians to confirm the sentinel lymph node location more efficiently without requiring multiple repeated imaging sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D imaging to 3D imaging by using multiple X-ray detectors positioned at different locations around the patient's body. This dimensional change enables simultaneous capture of tracer distribution from multiple angles, creating a three-dimensional representation that improves identification accuracy while reducing the need for repeated imaging.
2Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray detectors positioned at different locations are used to capture images, then three-dimensional distribution accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple X-ray detectors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they detect characteristic X-rays from the tracer, capture images from different angular positions, and collectively construct the three-dimensional distribution map. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate imaging systems and simplifies the overall device architecture despite using multiple detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a fixed array of X-ray detectors positioned around the patient. Instead of mechanically moving a single detector to capture multiple views, the system uses multiple stationary detectors that simultaneously capture data from different locations, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining 3D imaging capability.
3Reliability
If tracer introduction and imaging is repeated until sentinel lymph node is confirmed, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but procedural time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through 3D visualization of tracer distribution, allowing clinicians to immediately assess whether the sentinel lymph node has been successfully identified. This feedback mechanism enables informed decisions about whether to proceed with sampling or repeat the imaging process, improving diagnostic reliability while optimizing procedural efficiency by avoiding unnecessary repetitions.
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
This method effectively identifies sentinel lymph nodes by capturing detailed three-dimensional distributions of the tracer, allowing for accurate identification and potential cancer diagnosis, facilitating targeted treatment by ensuring the sentinel lymph node is pinpointed and sampled for cancer testing.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of characteristic X-rays from a material that has been excited by, for example, exposure to high-energy X-rays or gamma rays
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method, comprising: introducing a tracer into a body region of an organism at an introduction site of the organism; causing emission of characteristic X-rays of the tracer in the body region; capturing images of the tracer in the body region with the characteristic X-rays; determining a first three-dimensional (3D) distribution of the tracer in the body region based on the images; and examining the first 3D distribution of the tracer in the body region to identify a sentinel lymph node for the introduction site. If the sentinel lymph node is not identified in the first 3D distribution, the method further comprises repeating said causing, said capturing, and said determining thereby resulting in a second 3D distribution of the tracer in the body region; and examining the second 3D distribution to identify the sentinel lymph node.