Compact Endocavity Probe With Integrated CdZnTe Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging technologies, such as ultrasound and nuclear medical imaging, face limitations in distinguishing between benign and cancerous tumors, especially in small organs like the prostate, due to poor spatial resolution and detection efficiency, making them unsuitable for accurate cancer diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A novel radiation imaging probe featuring a plurality of semiconductor radiation detectors with integrated signal processing circuitry and a power supply within a compact cylindrical sheath, utilizing cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detectors that operate at body temperature without cooling, providing high spatial resolution and image contrast for gamma-ray and X-ray imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nuclear medical imaging systems (scintillator detectors or HPGe crystals) are used, then functional imaging capability is provided, but the system becomes bulky and requires complex cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detector, cooling system, and electronics into a single integrated probe assembly. The semiconductor detector is directly mounted on a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) chip, which is integrated with the readout electronics on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cooling systems (cryostats, liquid nitrogen dewars) with solid-state thermoelectric coolers (Peltier devices). This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while providing sufficient cooling for the semiconductor detector at room temperature applications
2Ease of operation
If external detection systems are used, then the detector can be positioned away from the organ, but detection efficiency and spatial resolution decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the semiconductor detector, cooling system, and electronics within a compact probe assembly that can be inserted into body cavities (rectum, vagina, mouth, nose, or anus). This nested structure allows the detector to be positioned extremely close to the target organ (prostate, cervix, breast, lung, or colon), maximizing detection efficiency and spatial resolution while maintaining ease of operation through flexible insertion routes
3Device complexity
If ultrasound technology is used, then compact probe design is achieved, but the ability to distinguish benign and cancerous tumors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional probe that combines semiconductor radiation detection for nuclear medicine imaging with the ability to detect gamma rays and X-rays from radioactive tracers. This allows the compact probe to provide both anatomical localization and functional characterization of tumors by detecting radiotracer uptake patterns, enabling distinction between benign and cancerous tissues while maintaining compact design
4Measurement precision
If HPGe crystals are used, then detection capability is provided, but cryogenic cooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from cryogenic (HPGe requiring -180°C) to room temperature by using semiconductor detectors (CdTe, CZT, or Si) that maintain adequate detection capability at higher temperatures. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex cryogenic cooling systems while preserving essential detection functionality
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
The probe enables accurate localization of cancerous tissues with high detection efficiency and spatial resolution, facilitating early cancer detection and diagnosis in small organs, while being compact and easy to operate, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
semiconductor radiation detectors with integrated signal processing circuitry and a power supply within a cylindrical sheath, utilizing cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detectors that operate at body temperature without cooling
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to the field of radiation imaging. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for imaging tissue or an inanimate object using a novel probe that has an integrated solid-state semiconductor detector and complete readout electronics circuitry.