Confocal Tissue Analysis Probe for 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical tissue analysis methods are impractical for scanning tissues due to the need for multiple optical fibers, which restricts the ability to determine scattering and absorption properties beyond a probed region and limits scanning to superficial layers.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing confocal spectroscopy to irradiate a focal region on the tissue, collecting backscattered light into a first detection device for optical property analysis and scattered light from a second region into a second detection device, allowing for the determination of scattering and absorption coefficients between the focal and second regions, enabling 3D tissue scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical fibers are used to determine scattering and absorption properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and scanning capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source and detection functions from multiple fiber components and consolidates them into a single scanning probe. The probe emits light and collects backscattered light through a single optical path, eliminating the need for multiple fibers while maintaining the capability to determine scattering and absorption coefficients through spatially resolved detection at different depths
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning probe is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the light source and the detector, and can scan through different tissue depths by adjusting the focal position. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate fibers for light delivery and collection, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical fibers are used for tissue analysis, then scattering and absorption properties can be determined, but the ability to scan tissue is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic scanning capability by making the probe movable and adjustable. The focal position can be dynamically changed to scan through different tissue depths, and the probe can be positioned at different locations on the tissue surface. This dynamic design enables both optical property analysis and tissue scanning, overcoming the static limitation of fixed fiber arrangements
3Measurement precision
If confocal spectroscopy is used to collect light from focal region, then information on optical properties is obtained, but information on surrounding tissue scattering properties is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects light at multiple detection positions beyond the focal point, including positions at greater depths and lateral distances. By collecting light that has scattered to these extended regions and analyzing the spatial distribution of backscattered light, the system recovers information about the scattering properties of surrounding tissue while maintaining the optical property detection capability
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 the collection of information on scattering and absorption coefficients as a function of 3D position within the tissue, enhancing tissue analysis and enabling real-time in-vivo cancer detection without the need for multiple fibers, thus improving the practicality and depth of tissue scanning.
Implementation Method 1
Light coming back from the probed region of the tissue contains information useful for the analysis, related to the optical properties of the probed region of the tissue. Many techniques show that there exists a need of determining, besides this information, the scattering and/or absorption properties of the tissue nearby the probed region of the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
Light coming back from the probed region of the tissue contains information useful for the analysis, related to the optical properties of the probed region of the tissue. Many techniques show that there exists a need of determining, besides this information, the scattering and/or absorption properties of the tissue nearby the probed region of the tissue.
Implementation Method 3
collecting light coming back from the focal region into a first detection device, the first detection device being arranged to only collect the light coming back from the focal region, on a first detection area, by confocal spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for analyzing a tissue (70), which comprises: —irradiating the tissue (70) with light focused on a focal region (40); —collecting light coming back from the focal region (40) into a first detection device (100A), the first detection device (100A) being arranged to only collect the light coming back from the focal region (40), on a first detection area (140A), by confocal spectroscopy, in order to generate a first signal, containing information on an optical property of the tissue (70); —collecting light, scattered from the focal region (40) to at least a second region (60), coming back from the second region (60), into a second detection device (100B), the second detection device (100B) being arranged to only collect the light coming back from the second region (60), on a second detection area (140B), in order to generate a second signal, —using the first and second signals in order to get information on the scattering and/or absorption coefficients of the tissue (70) in the region between the focal region (40) and the second region (60). Thanks to the invention, information can be gathered on the scattering and/or absorption properties of the tissue.