Anisotropic Tissue Tester Using Compliant Structures and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue testing arrangements for biomaterials are large, costly, and impractical for sterilization, often requiring high-precision equipment, leading to suboptimal implantation due to unknown mechanical properties of tissue segments.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld tissue testing device with compliant structures and actuators applies equal or varying displacements to biomaterials, allowing characterization of anisotropic properties through deformation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing tissue testing arrangements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying and imaging techniques to capture deformation patterns of tissue segments. Instead of complex mechanical measurement systems, the invention employs cameras and image processing to create visual copies of the tissue deformation, which are then analyzed to determine mechanical properties. This reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with an optical field-based system. Instead of using complex mechanical sensors and actuators to directly measure tissue properties, the patent uses digital imaging and computational methods to infer mechanical properties from visual deformation patterns, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If existing tissue testing arrangements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue testing device is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing it to be easily transported and operated in various clinical settings including operating rooms. The integrated system requires minimal setup and can be operated by standard medical personnel without specialized training in complex testing procedures, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If existing tissue testing arrangements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs digital imaging and computational analysis that can be applied to various types of tissue segments and biomaterials. The system is not limited to specific tissue types or test configurations, allowing it to adapt to different surgical applications and material properties. The optical measurement approach works across multiple tissue types, providing universal applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for variable displacement magnitudes to be applied to the tissue segment, enabling testing under different stress conditions. The system can adjust testing parameters such as displacement amount and direction to suit different tissue types and surgical requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining measurement precision through consistent optical monitoring.
4Measurement precision
If existing tissue testing arrangements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows tissue segments to be tested prior to implantation in a portable setting, enabling surgeons to assess mechanical properties before the actual surgical procedure. This preliminary testing prevents suboptimal implantation decisions and avoids the need for corrective surgeries, thereby reducing overall time loss despite the added testing step.
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
Enables accurate, cost-effective, and timely characterization of biomaterial properties for optimal implantation, facilitating in-vivo and ex-vivo testing with sterilizable and disposable options.
Implementation Method 1
one or more actuators and a plurality of compliant structures configured to operatively couple the one or more actuators with the plurality of tissue couplings. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are configured to apply an approximately equal magnitude displacement to a proximal portion of each compliant structure of the plurality of compliant structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for testing a tissue segment using a tissue testing device are disclosed herein. A tissue testing device may include one or more actuators, a plurality of compliant structures, and a plurality of tissue couplings. The compliant structures may operatively couple the actuators to the tissue couplings such that actuation of the actuators to displace a proximal portion of the compliant structures in turn displaces the tissue couplings. The tissue couplings may be attached to a corresponding tissue segment such that displacement of the tissue couplings provided deformation to the tissue segment. Various parameters of the tissue segment may then be calculated to assist a clinician in optimizing implantation of the tissue segment into a subject.