Biopsy Device with Transparent Region for Raman Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical techniques face challenges in differentiating tumor from normal brain tissue during brain tumor resection, leading to suboptimal surgical outcomes due to the difficulty in maximizing the extent of resection while sparing healthy tissue, resulting in high rates of residual tumors post-surgery.

Innovation Solution

A biopsy device with an optically transparent region that allows for real-time imaging of biological samples using modalities like stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) or coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) during tissue removal, enabling precise differentiation between normal and tumor tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional surgical techniques are used for brain tumor resection, then surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the ability to differentiate tumor from normal brain tissue is poor leading to suboptimal resection outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue differentiation capabilityVSAvoidsurgical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines biopsy sampling, optical imaging, and histological analysis into an integrated surgical system. The biopsy device includes both the sampling mechanism and the imaging chamber, allowing simultaneous tissue acquisition and real-time optical analysis without requiring separate equipment setups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical imaging as an intermediary between surgical resection and histological analysis. The imaging system provides real-time visualization of tissue characteristics, serving as a bridge that allows surgeons to differentiate tumor from normal tissue before final histological confirmation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If extensive surgical resection is performed to maximize tumor removal, then extent of resection is improved, but the risk of removing healthy brain tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical outcome reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to healthy tissue
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback through optical imaging during surgical resection. The imaging system continuously monitors tissue characteristics, providing immediate feedback to the surgeon about whether the tissue being removed is tumor or normal brain tissue, enabling dynamic adjustment of resection boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary optical imaging and analysis before final resection decisions are made. The biopsy device allows pre-resection tissue sampling and imaging to map tumor boundaries, enabling surgeons to plan resection margins that maximize tumor removal while protecting healthy tissue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If real-time imaging is implemented during biopsy, then tissue analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation retention during samplingVSAvoidbiopsy device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the biopsy device to serve multiple functions: tissue sampling, real-time optical imaging, and histological analysis preparation. The same device structure is used for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic biopsy, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests the imaging chamber within the biopsy device structure. The optical imaging components are integrated into the biopsy needle or forceps, allowing the imaging system to be contained within the already-necessary biopsy equipment rather than requiring separate external imaging apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Measurement precision

If traditional histological analysis is used after biopsy, then analysis accuracy is sufficient, but time required for results is too long affecting surgical decisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue analysis accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary optical imaging and preliminary histological processing during the surgical procedure itself. Tissue is fixed and processed for rapid staining while the patient is still on the operating table, allowing initial assessment results to be available before the patient leaves the surgical suite.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes continuous workflow from biopsy sampling through optical imaging to histological processing without interruption. The tissue sample moves continuously through the analysis pipeline, with each step prepared in advance and executed in sequence without removing the tissue from the controlled environment, eliminating transfer and waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 immediate histological analysis of biopsied tissue, facilitating safer and more extensive tumor resection by providing real-time imaging, thereby improving surgical outcomes and reducing the need for secondary surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

Biopsy device for coherent raman imaging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoherent Raman scattering:

Implementation Method 2

The imaging device can be a stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStimulated Raman scattering:

Implementation Method 3

a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering:

Data Source

PatentEP3352677B1Biopsy device for coherent raman imaging
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 INVENIO IMAGING INC
  • EP3352677B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3352677B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3352677B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Devices and systems for analyzing biological samples are provided. Devices include a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. The body defines a sample collecting portion. A first opening at the first end of the body is operable to receive a source of negative pressure and a second opening at the second end of the body is operable to receive a biological sample. The body also includes an optically transparent region disposed in a region corresponding to the sample collecting portion, the optically transparent region being configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation therethrough from an imaging device capable of imaging the biological sample when disposed in the sample collecting portion.