Intraoperative Cancer Detection Probe with Integrated Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques face challenges in distinguishing tumor margins from normal tissue during surgery due to the diffuse distribution of tumor cells, making complete tumor resection difficult.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for intraoperative cancer detection using an excitation fiber optic to excite biological samples with intrinsic excitation wavelengths, an emission fiber optic to detect intrinsic emissions, and a tissue scanner to visualize and remove cancerous tissues via a vacuum-line tip with haptic feedback control, combining cancer detection with suction functionality in a single instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical microscope visual inspection is used, then the surgical procedure is simple, but the tumor margins cannot be distinguished from surrounding normal tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (excitation light delivery, emission detection, tissue suction/removal, and haptic feedback) into a single integrated probe device. The excitation fiber optic and emission fiber optic are merged within the same probe housing, allowing simultaneous illumination, detection, and tissue removal operations without requiring multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe serves multiple functions: it delivers excitation light to induce fluorescence, detects emitted fluorescence signals, provides vacuum suction for tissue removal, and delivers haptic feedback to the surgeon. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection and surgical instruments, directly addressing the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional visual inspection is used during surgery, then the surgical workflow is simple, but complete tumor resection cannot be achieved due to indistinguishable margins
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time optical feedback through fluorescence imaging that highlights tumor margins, and mechanical feedback through haptic resistance when the probe contacts tissue. The haptic feedback controller translates tissue properties into tactile sensations, giving the surgeon immediate feedback on tissue characteristics without requiring separate diagnostic steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe performs preliminary tissue assessment through fluorescence detection before actual resection occurs. The excitation and detection functions allow the surgeon to identify tumor margins and plan the resection path in advance, ensuring complete removal while preserving healthy tissue.
3Productivity
If multiple separate instruments are used for detection and removal, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges detection and treatment functions into a single probe, eliminating the need for coordinate registration between separate instruments and reducing the number of handoffs during surgery. The integrated design allows the surgeon to perform detection and resection with one instrument, directly improving surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe performs excitation, detection, suction, and haptic feedback functions, replacing multiple specialized instruments. This universal design reduces instrument count while maintaining all necessary surgical capabilities, addressing both productivity and complexity concerns.
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
Enhances the ability to visualize and remove cancerous tissues accurately during surgery, improving the chances of complete tumor resection and reducing surgical complexity by providing real-time visualization of intrinsic emissions.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation fiber optic configured to excite a biological sample as a function of an intrinsic excitation wavelength
Implementation Method 2
an emission fiber optic configured to detect an intrinsic emission of the biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
A device for intraoperative cancer detection includes an excitation fiber optic configured to excite a biological sample as a function of an intrinsic excitation wavelength, an emission fiber optic configured to detect an intrinsic emission of the biological sample, a tissue scanner module including a display window configured to visualize the intrinsic emission of the biological sample, wherein visualizing further comprises receiving a signal from a tissue scanner representing an intrinsic emission of the biological sample, and relaying a visual recording as a function of the signal to the display window, and a vacuum-line tip configured to remove a portion of the biological sample as a function of the visualized intrinsic emission of the biological sample and a haptic feedback controller.