Dual-capillary obturator for real-time gamma imaging localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gamma guided stereotactic imaging lacks real-time verification of the location of a region of interest during procedures, requiring a removable and non-contaminating radioactive marker for accurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A rigid grid positioning system combined with an obturator featuring interconnected capillary tubes and a reservoir for a radioactive fluid, which serves as a marker for real-time localization during imaging by providing precise spatial information of the region of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radioactive marker is placed at the region of interest for real-time localization, then real-time verification of location is improved, but radioactive contamination may be left in the mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable obturator device that is inserted into the mass, allows radioactive fluid to be introduced and then removed, and is subsequently discarded. This disposable approach eliminates the need for marker removal while preventing permanent radioactive contamination, as the entire device is discarded after a single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the radioactive marker function from a permanent implant and transfers it to a temporary, removable obturator device. The obturator is inserted only during the procedure, allows fluid introduction, and is then removed, extracting the radioactive material from the mass without leaving contamination.
2Measurement precision
If a removable radioactive marker is used for real-time localization, then real-time verification is improved, but the marker must be capable of removal without leaving contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator is designed as a disposable device that simplifies the removal requirement by being discarded after single use. The device includes integrated capillary tubes and reservoir that are all part of the disposable unit, eliminating complex removal procedures while ensuring no contamination remains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the obturator, capillary tubes, reservoir, and radioactive fluid containment into a single integrated disposable unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall system by combining multiple functions (positioning, fluid delivery, radioactive marker) into one removable device that is discarded after use.
3Ease of operation
If capillary tubes are used for fluid introduction and removal, then controlled radioactive fluid delivery is improved, but the tube interconnected structure adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary tubes are integrated into the disposable obturator device, so their complexity is acceptable since the entire assembly is discarded after use. The disposable nature allows for simplified, user-friendly tube interconnections without concern for long-term durability or complex disassembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes capillary action and fluid pressure dynamics to control radioactive fluid delivery through the interconnected tubes. The reservoir and capillary tubes work together to allow controlled introduction and removal of fluid based on pressure differentials and capillary forces, providing ease of operation through physical principles rather than complex mechanical controls.
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
Enables real-time localization and accurate positioning of the region of interest during surgical procedures, ensuring precise placement of instruments like biopsy needles without leaving radioactive contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir for the radioactive fluid at the point of connection; wherein the reservoir is inserted into the mass containing a region of interest and the radioactive fluid provides a marker for the region of interest during subsequent imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A combination rigid grid positioning system, stereotactic gamma imager and an obturator for real-time localization of a region of interest during the performance of a surgical procedure including: a) a rigid grid positioning system including a mechanism for the acquisition of images useful in calculating the spatial location of a region of interest in a mass under study; and b) an obturator inserted through the rigid grid positioning system made up of: i) first and second generally parallel capillary tubes for the introduction thereto and the removal therefrom of a radioactive fluid interconnected at a point of connection; and ii) a reservoir for the radioactive fluid at the point of connection; wherein the reservoir is inserted into the mass containing a region of interest and the radioactive fluid provides a marker for the region of interest during subsequent imaging and thereby specific localization of the region of interest during subsequent procedures.