DISC Skin Deformation Mapping for Botulinum Injection Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the effectiveness of cosmetic treatments like botulinum toxin injections and assessing neuropathies, such as acoustic neuromas, lack objective, non-invasive tools to quantify muscle contraction and nerve function, relying on subjective measures that fail to predict treatment responses effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of Digital Image Speckle Correlation (DISC) analysis to map skin deformation and muscle contraction by analyzing natural motions, such as smiling or eyebrow movement, providing a non-invasive means to determine the loci of stress, muscle involvement, and elasticity, and track changes over time, which can inform treatment optimization and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective measures are used to evaluate cosmetic treatments and neuropathies, then the evaluation process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and objectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective clinical assessment with Digital Image Speckle Correlation (DISC) analysis, an optical measurement system that objectively quantifies muscle contraction and skin deformation. This substitution of mechanical/optical measurement for subjective evaluation resolves the contradiction by providing precise, objective data without requiring complex invasive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital imaging to create a visual copy of skin surface deformation, which is then analyzed through DISC algorithms. This copying approach allows objective measurement of muscle contraction and nerve function through image analysis rather than direct physical measurement, maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
2Measurement precision
If invasive techniques are used to assess nerve function and treatment effectiveness, then measurement precision improves, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical assessment techniques with non-invasive optical DISC analysis. By measuring skin deformation and speckle pattern changes, the system achieves accurate nerve function assessment without physical intrusion, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving patient comfort and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional evaluation methods are used for botulinum toxin injections, then the treatment process is straightforward, but the ability to optimize injection sites and predict treatment response is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary DISC analysis before botulinum toxin injection to map muscle contraction patterns and identify optimal injection sites. This preliminary assessment allows customization of treatment plans based on individual patient anatomy and muscle behavior, enhancing adaptability while using a relatively simple optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies DISC analysis to specific local regions of interest on the patient's body to assess muscle contraction and determine precise injection locations. This localized approach provides tailored treatment optimization without requiring complex full-body analysis, balancing adaptability with system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to methods of determining where, on the skin, a diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic agent is likely to be most effectively applied (e.g., injected), and to methods for monitoring a patient after such an agent has been administered. The monitoring can produce information useful in determining whether a diagnostic, therapeutic (e.g., surgical), or cosmetic regime should be initiated, continued, continued in a modified fashion, or terminated (e.g., for a brief or prolonged period of time). The methods can be repeated periodically and use a non-invasive, in vivo form of digital image speckle correlation (DISC) to track deformation of the skin.