Detachable Multi-Photon Probe Tips for Sterile In Vivo Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-photon endoscopic probes are complex and expensive, requiring extensive sterilization due to direct contact with biological structures, which complicates their reuse.
Innovation Solution
A detachable and sterilizable tip apparatus for multi-photon probes that minimizes contact with biological structures, featuring a tubular body with a recessed window and index-matching fluid to reduce reflections and aberrations, and a rim for secure tissue contact, allowing for easy sterilization and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-photon endoscopic probes are used for direct contact with biological structures, then imaging capability is improved, but sterilization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into two separate components: a reusable imaging probe and a disposable tip apparatus. The tip apparatus contains the optical components (window, coupler) that contact tissue, while the imaging probe remains sterile. This segmentation allows the imaging probe to be reused without extensive sterilization, while the disposable tip maintains imaging capability and eliminates complex sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue-contacting optical components (window and coupler) are extracted from the main imaging probe and placed in a separate disposable tip apparatus. This extraction allows the imaging probe to be separated from contamination sources, reducing sterilization complexity while preserving imaging function in the reusable portion.
2Productivity
If the probe is designed for reuse, then cost effectiveness is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip apparatus is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is discarded after a single use. This disposable tip contains all tissue-contacting optical elements, eliminating cross-contamination risks between patients while keeping the overall system cost-effective by allowing reuse of the expensive imaging probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable tip apparatus serves as an intermediary between the reusable imaging probe and the biological tissue. It transfers the imaging function to the tissue interface while protecting the reusable probe from contamination, thus enabling safe reuse without direct contact between the probe and tissue.
3Measurement precision
If the tip apparatus includes a recessed window with index-matching fluid, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The index-matching fluid is applied locally at the critical optical interface between the window and the tissue, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized application improves image quality by reducing reflections and aberrations at the specific location where light enters the tissue, while adding minimal overall complexity to the device.
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 tip apparatus reduces sterilization needs, enhances image quality by blocking ambient light, and ensures accurate, minimally invasive imaging with reduced contamination risk.
Implementation Method 1
index-matching fluid to reduce reflections and aberrations
Implementation Method 2
its wide optical transmission band from ultraviolet to mid-infrared wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
fluorophores within biological structures are excited by simultaneous (or near simultaneous) absorption of two or more photons
Implementation Method 4
Multi-photon excitation microscopy, using NIR light, can reduce scattering in the tissue and suppress background noise, leading to better imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Probe tip structures are disclosed that can replaccably couple to an imaging probe to provide a sterile interface between an imaging probe and the tissue undergoing analysis. The probe and associated tip apparatus can then be used for noninvasive or minimally invasive in vivo microscopy to visualize the surface or lining of internal organs and/or tissue. The tip apparatus can be attached to the probe before (or during the procedure) and then removed and discarded, such that the probe, itself, remains relatively free of contamination and more readily sterilizable for reuse. Alternatively, the tip apparatus can be sterilizable and reusable. The tip structures are particularly useful in conjunction with multi-photon imaging probes.