Annular Converging Laser for Microbiopsy Tissue Excision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue excision methods, such as traditional biopsies and laser tissue ablation, are inefficient in removing precise volumes of tissue, leading to excessive tissue trauma, sampling errors, and low volumetric removal rates, which are particularly problematic near critical structures and in tissue-conserving surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An annular converging laser beam is used to excise precise micro-volumes of tissue with a single laser pulse, increasing the volumetric tissue removal rate, minimizing thermal damage, and preserving tissue structure for analysis, by optimizing beam shape, wavelength, and dosimetry for efficient tissue harvest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional biopsy techniques are used to excise tissue, then tissue samples can be obtained for analysis, but significantly more tissue is excised than is actually used in analysis (less than one percent utilization rate)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the laser beam parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, energy density) to achieve precise control over tissue ablation volume. By adjusting these parameters, the system removes only the necessary micro-volume of tissue (e.g., 10-100 micrometers deep) rather than excising large tissue samples, thereby minimizing tissue trauma while obtaining sufficient material for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical biopsy instruments (scalpels, forceps) with a laser-based ablation system. This substitution enables non-contact, precise removal of tissue at the cellular level without the mechanical trauma associated with traditional surgical tools. The laser energy is converted to thermal energy that vaporizes tissue molecules, achieving clean cuts with minimal damage to surrounding structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional laser tissue ablation is used to remove tissue, then precise cutting can be achieved at micron level resolution, but the volumetric rate of tissue removal is relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action rather than continuous laser exposure. By delivering high-energy pulses at controlled intervals (e.g., nanosecond or picosecond pulses), the system achieves cumulative tissue removal with each pulse while allowing thermal diffusion between pulses. This periodic action increases the overall volumetric removal rate while maintaining precise control over the ablation depth and shape, preventing excessive heat buildup that would compromise precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional laser tissue ablation is used to excise tissue, then tissue can be removed with high precision, but the excised tissue is fragmented into small-sized submicron fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using controlled, low-energy laser pulses that remove only the necessary portion of tissue without excessive ablation. By carefully calibrating the laser parameters (energy density, pulse duration, scanning speed), the system achieves clean excision of the target tissue volume while preserving the structural integrity of the remaining tissue and producing larger, more intact fragments suitable for histological analysis rather than submicron debris.
4Productivity
If electrocautery devices are used for tissue excision, then tissue can be removed, but residual thermal damage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrocautery devices with a laser ablation system that operates on different physical principles. While electrocautery relies on continuous electrical current generating heat that diffuses through tissue causing collateral thermal damage, the laser system uses focused optical energy that can be delivered in ultra-short pulses. This substitution confines thermal energy to the immediate focal point, minimizing heat diffusion and residual thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissue while maintaining efficient tissue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic pulsed laser delivery instead of continuous electrocautery energy application. The pulsed regime allows thermal diffusion to occur between pulses, preventing excessive heat buildup and minimizing the thermal zone of injury. This periodic action enables efficient tissue vaporization while limiting the extent of coagulative necrosis and thermal damage to adjacent structures, unlike continuous electrocautery which creates a larger thermal field.
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 approach allows for precise, minimally invasive tissue excision with reduced damage to surrounding tissues, enabling rapid diagnosis and analysis, and can be applied in various medical procedures including biopsies and tumor resections, improving surgical precision and reducing tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
an annular converging beam profile ablates a portion of tissue
Implementation Method 2
absorbed by tissue water
Implementation Method 3
pressure is generated in the surrounding tissue causing a micro-volumetric tissue section in the center of the annular beam to be ejected
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for tissue excision. In certain aspects, the apparatus and methods include an annular converging laser beam. The annular converging laser beam can be directed to a surface of a tissue and displace a portion of the tissue in a single or multiple laser pulses. In particular aspects, the dosimetry of the laser beam (e.g. the beam shape, pulse energy and pulse duration) can be controlled to eject the portion of the tissue in a manner to reduce damage to the displaced tissue and the surrounding tissue.