Compact Guided Diffuse Optical Tomography Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diffuse optical tomography (DOT) systems for breast cancer imaging suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios and bulky designs, making them less effective for monitoring treatment responses and requiring improvements in spatial resolution and user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A compact ultrasound-guided DOT system is developed, incorporating a source subsystem with multiple laser diodes, a miniaturized detection subsystem with photomultiplier tubes and a data acquisition board, and a computing device for reconstructing functional images of lesion regions, utilizing near-infrared light to estimate tissue optical properties without contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional DOT systems are used for breast cancer imaging, then noninvasive imaging without contrast agents is achieved, but the signal-to-noise ratio is low and the system is bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (laser diodes, photodetectors, ultrasound transducers, and processing electronics) into an integrated handheld probe assembly. This merging of components improves the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing signal loss from multiple connections and interfaces, while simultaneously reducing overall system bulkiness through compact mechanical design and optimized component layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical scanning systems with a stationary array of sources and detectors arranged in a fixed geometric pattern on the probe. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that contribute to system bulkiness and complexity, while improving signal-to-noise ratio through stable, repeatable positioning and reduced mechanical noise.
2Measurement precision
If MRI and PET/CT are used to assess treatment response, then early identification of response is achieved, but the cost is high and contrast agents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the patient's own endogenous chromophores (hemoglobin, melanin, lipids) as natural contrast agents for imaging. The laser diodes illuminate tissue with near-infrared light that is absorbed by these endogenous substances, producing sufficient signal contrast to detect treatment response without requiring any exogenous contrast agents, thereby eliminating the downsides of cost and contrast agent side effects while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple wavelengths of near-infrared light to probe different tissue chromophores and depth ranges. By varying the wavelength parameter, the system can selectively target different absorption characteristics of hemoglobin (oxygenated vs. deoxygenated), melanin, and lipids, enabling precise measurement of treatment response through spectral unmixing algorithms without requiring contrast agents.
3Ease of operation
If conventional DOT systems are used, then portability is achieved, but spatial resolution and user-friendliness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an ultrasound-guided adaptive positioning system that dynamically adjusts the probe placement and imaging parameters based on real-time ultrasound feedback. The system can dynamically identify the lesion location and boundaries, automatically adjust the region of interest, and optimize source-detector positioning to maximize spatial resolution while maintaining ease of operation through automated guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates real-time feedback from ultrasound imaging to guide the DOT measurement process. The ultrasound system provides continuous feedback on probe positioning, tissue interfaces, and lesion location, allowing the operator to optimize placement for maximum spatial resolution. The system also provides feedback on measured optical properties to guide treatment monitoring decisions, enhancing user-friendliness through intuitive display and interpretation aids.
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 system achieves improved signal-to-noise ratios, reduced physical dimensions, and enhanced user-friendliness, enabling more accurate and efficient imaging of breast cancer lesions, particularly in monitoring treatment responses during neoadjuvant therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The source subsystem includes a plurality of laser diodes configured to generate near-infrared (NIR) optical waves
Implementation Method 2
The miniaturized detection board includes a photomultiplier tube (PMT), wherein the PMT has a plurality of channels and configured to convert the optical waves detected by the probe to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A compact diffuse optical tomography system for generating a functional image of a lesion region is provided. The system includes a source subsystem, a probe, a detection subsystem, and a computing device. The source subsystem includes laser diodes and a laser diode driver board. The probe is configured to emit the optical waves generated by the source subsystem toward the lesion region and detect optical waves reflected by the lesion region. The detection subsystem includes a miniaturized detection board and a miniaturized data acquisition board. The miniaturized detection board includes a photomultiplier tube configured to convert the optical waves detected by the probe to electrical signals. The miniaturized data acquisition board is configured to convert electrical signals outputted by the miniaturized detection board to digital signals. The computing device is configured to receive the digital signals, reconstruct the functional image, and display the functional image.