Bioimpedance Probe for Ocular Tissue Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cataract surgery is hindered by limited visual feedback due to the opaque iris, making it difficult for surgeons to accurately position surgical tools within the eye, leading to potential human error and secondary cataracts from residual lens material.
Innovation Solution
A bioimpedance-based probe integrated with machine learning algorithms that identifies tissue and anatomical structures at the tip of a surgical tool, allowing real-time classification and position determination within the eye without direct visualization, using insulated conductors to complete an electric circuit and determine impedance for classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If surgeons use microscopes to enhance visual field, then visual feedback is improved, but the surgery complexity increases and surgeon's direct view of workspace is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical microscope system with an electrical/bioimpedance-based sensing system. The probe uses bioimpedance measurements to identify tissue types and provide visual feedback without requiring external microscopes, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining improved visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bioimpedance sensing probe as an intermediary between the surgical tool and the tissue. This probe provides indirect measurement of tissue properties through electrical impedance, enabling tissue identification without direct optical visualization through microscopes.
2Measurement precision
If OCT scanning is used to determine tool position, then depth information is provided, but the response time is too slow for real-time correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow OCT scanning system with a rapid bioimpedance measurement system. Bioimpedance sensing provides instantaneous electrical measurements that can be processed in real-time, eliminating the several-second delay inherent in OCT scanning while maintaining precise depth and tissue identification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical scattering (OCT) to electrical impedance. This parameter change enables much faster measurement speeds suitable for real-time feedback, as electrical impedance can be measured instantaneously compared to the sequential scanning required by OCT.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surgeons manually identify and remove lens pieces, then flexibility is maintained, but human error increases and surgery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time bioimpedance feedback that continuously monitors tissue type at the probe tip. This feedback system provides immediate information to the surgeon about lens material versus capsular bag tissue, enabling timely corrective actions and significantly reducing error rates while maintaining manual surgical flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioimpedance probe performs self-identification of tissue types through automatic impedance measurement and classification. This self-service capability reduces reliance on surgeon expertise for tissue identification, thereby reducing errors while preserving manual dexterity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the iris is opaque, then natural eye structure is maintained, but visual access to capsular bag is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the bioimpedance probe as an intermediary that can physically pass through the iris opening and sense tissue properties electrically. This intermediary approach maintains the opaque iris structure while overcoming the visual blockage through non-optical sensing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes optical visualization (which is blocked by the opaque iris) with electrical impedance sensing. The bioimpedance probe can penetrate the iris opening and measure tissue properties through electrical fields that are not blocked by the opaque iris, thereby maintaining eye structure while restoring visual access information.
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 and timely identification of tissue and anatomical structures, reducing the risk of human error and secondary cataracts by providing real-time feedback on tool position and tissue type, improving surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A probe for identifying tissue, fluid and/or anatomical structures is provided. The probe may include a first conductor insulated from a second conductor except at distal ends of the first and second conductors. The first and second conductors may complete an electric circuit upon touching tissue, fluid and/or anatomical structures such that a response may be determined.
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain general aspects, the present embodiments relate generally to identifying tissue, fluid and/or anatomical structures at the tip of a surgical tool. The determination of the tissue, fluid and/or anatomical structures that the tool is touching allows the inference of a position inside of a person undergoing surgery. For example, a surgeon may attempt to use a tool to interact with a lens portion of a person's eye during cataract surgery, but the identification of tissue provided by embodiments will indicate that the tool is at a position too deep inside of the eye.