Dual Modality Endocavity Probe for Cancer Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging technologies, such as ultrasound and nuclear imaging, face limitations in distinguishing between benign and cancerous tumors, especially in small organs like the prostate, due to poor spatial resolution and limited ability to generate functional images, making them unsuitable for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A compact dual modality probe integrating solid-state semiconductor detectors and ultrasound components, enabling high spatial resolution radiation imaging and ultrasound, allowing for targeted biopsies and treatments by monitoring tissue changes, optimizing radiopharmaceutical activity, and guiding radiotherapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional nuclear imaging systems with external detectors are used, then functional images can be obtained, but spatial resolution and detection efficiency are poor due to detectors being located far from the imaged organs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the semiconductor detector array directly within the endocavity probe housing, nesting the detection system inside the body cavity. This allows the detector to be positioned extremely close to the target organ (prostate), achieving high spatial resolution without requiring complex external positioning systems. The detector array is embedded in the probe structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external detector positioning apparatus.
2Device complexity
If ultrasound technology is used for imaging, then compact probe design is achieved, but the ability to distinguish benign and cancerous tumors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two imaging modalities into a single integrated probe: nuclear imaging (semiconductor detector array for gamma ray detection) and ultrasound imaging (transducer elements). This merging allows the probe to maintain compactness while providing both anatomical structure visualization and functional tumor characterization, enabling differentiation between benign and cancerous tissues through complementary imaging data.
3Reliability
If external nuclear imaging systems are used, then functional imaging capability is provided, but detection efficiency is low due to distance from the imaged organ
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning detectors outside the body as in traditional nuclear imaging systems, the patent inverts the approach by placing the semiconductor detector array inside the body cavity (endocavity). This inversion brings the detector extremely close to the target organ, dramatically improving detection efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining the functional imaging capability.
4Measurement precision
If high spatial resolution radiation imaging is achieved through integrated detectors, then cancer localization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detector system into multiple discrete semiconductor detector elements arranged in an array within the probe. This segmentation allows each element to independently detect gamma rays from different spatial locations, achieving high resolution cancer localization. The segmented design also facilitates modular construction and signal processing, managing the complexity through systematic decomposition of the detection function.
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 dual modality probe provides high spatial resolution and detection efficiency, enabling precise localization of cancerous tissues, optimizing treatment effectiveness, and minimizing damage to healthy tissues, thus improving cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The camera builds up an image of the points where radiation is emitted
Implementation Method 2
detecting collimated radiation with a semiconductor-type detector
Implementation Method 3
the ultrasound probe produces and subsequently records high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the prostate and reflect the density variations within the prostate
Implementation Method 4
high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the prostate and reflect
Data Source
AI summary
A dual modality endocavity imaging and treatment system for detection of cancer and targeted biopsy and treatment procedures, comprising: a housing; a nuclear detector system housed within the housing and configured for detecting nuclear radiation imaging data; an ultrasound detector system housed within the housing for detecting ultrasound imaging data; a needle associated with the housing and adjustably positionable relative thereto; and a data processing module configured to receive the nuclear radiation imaging data and the ultrasound imaging data and to generate and output an image showing the relative position of the needle and an endocavity object of interest. The needle may include a distinct radiation signature to facilitate imaging thereof.