Anisotropic Tissue Detection via Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for localizing nerves during surgical procedures, such as electrical stimulation, are inefficient and can cause complications like electrical burns and have low sensitivity, necessitating a more accurate and safer technique for nerve detection.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to differentiate optically anisotropic tissues like nerves from other tissues by measuring spectra under multiple directions, employing a probe with multiple optical fibers and a processing unit to compare spectra from different spatial orientations, and potentially rotating the probe to maximize contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is used to locate and identify nerves, then nerve localization accuracy is improved, but harmful effects such as electrical burns and peritonitis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation with optical stimulation using a laser probe. The system uses optical radiation to stimulate nerves and detect them through optical spectroscopy, eliminating the harmful electrical effects while maintaining nerve localization capability. The laser probe delivers optical energy that can be detected through changes in light scattering properties of the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical radiation as an intermediary between the stimulation source and the nerve tissue. Instead of direct electrical contact, the system uses light as a mediator to stimulate and detect nerves, allowing for non-contact stimulation that avoids electrical burns while still enabling nerve identification through optical property changes.
2Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is used for nerve localization, then nerve identification is achieved, but sensitivity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical detection methods with optical spectroscopy. By measuring changes in light scattering properties of tissue during optical stimulation, the system achieves higher sensitivity in detecting nerve presence. The optical method can detect subtle changes in tissue optical properties that indicate nerve stimulation, improving reliability over electrical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in optical parameters (light scattering properties, absorption coefficients) during nerve stimulation. By measuring spectral changes at different wavelengths and comparing them to reference values, the system can sensitively detect the presence and location of nerves, improving detection reliability through multiple optical parameter measurements.
3Loss of information
If imaging modalities like ultrasound or MRI are used to localize nerves, then nerve location can be visualized, but difficulty remains in identifying tissue as nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical spectroscopy to detect changes in the optical 'color' or spectral properties of tissue. By measuring absorption and scattering characteristics at multiple wavelengths, the system can identify nerves based on their unique optical signatures, making tissue identification easier and more reliable than conventional imaging modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring optical properties during probe advancement and stimulation. The system provides immediate information about nerve presence through optical signal changes, allowing operators to confidently identify nerves during the procedure rather than relying on pre-procedure imaging alone.
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 provides a safer and more accurate means of nerve detection, reducing the risk of complications and improving sensitivity by distinguishing anisotropic tissues based on spectral differences, allowing for precise localization and potential injection of anesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an optical source adapted to emit optical radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical detector adapted to receive the optical radiation reflected by the biological tissue
Implementation Method 3
optical radiation reflected by the biological tissue
Implementation Method 4
measuring the DRS spectrum under two or more different directions
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detection of optically anisotropic tissue is provided. The system comprises an optical source, an optical detector, a processing unit and a probe. The probe has a shaft with a longitudinal axis and a front end, and a plurality of optical fibers; wherein an end of each of the optical fibers is arranged at the front end of the shaft, and at least one of the optical fibers is a source optical fiber adapted to transmit optical radiation emitted from the optical source to a tissue adjacent to the front end of the shaft. Another one of the optical fibers is a detector optical fiber adapted to transmit optical radiation reflected from the tissue to the optical detector, so that an optical path through the tissue is defined, wherein the optical paths differ from each other with respect to their spatial orientation, and wherein the optical paths cross each other. The processor is configured to control the optical source to emit optical radiation, to receive a signal generated by the optical detector based on the optical radiation reflected by the tissue, to determine a plurality of optical spectra of the reflected optical radiation based on the received signal, wherein the optical spectra are obtained of the same location from at least two different directions, wherein the measurement of the optical spectra is performed either simultaneously or sequentially, and to compare the plurality of optical spectra, wherein the optical spectra relate to optical radiation of the different optical paths thus allowing the detection of anisotropic tissue using differences between the optical spectra.