Dual-Mode Digital Probe for Tumor Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gamma probes used in surgery cannot distinguish between tumor signals and background signals from surrounding tissues, limiting their ability to accurately delineate tumor sites during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode, hand-held digital probe featuring a position-sensitive solid-state photomultiplier optically bonded with a hybrid scintillator comprising a Crystalline Microcolumnar Structure (CMS) CsI:Tl scintillator and a LYSO scintillator, which detects beta radiation for high-resolution imaging and corrects gamma background for improved contrast and signal-to-noise ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a gamma-sensitive probe is used to locate tumor sites, then the surgeon can locate the approximate area of a tumor, but the probe cannot distinguish between the signal from the tissue directly in front of the probe head and the background resulting from surrounding tissues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor localization accuracyVSAvoidtumor boundary delineation information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The probe detects two separate types of radiation (beta and gamma) through separate detection mechanisms, segmenting the signal processing to distinguish tumor-specific beta emissions from background gamma radiation, enabling clear tumor boundary delineation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses gamma radiation as an intermediary to map background radiation distribution, which then serves as a reference for subtracting background signals from beta signals to enhance tumor-specific signal detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the probe is used near organs with high uptakes of the radiotracer such as the bladder, heart, or brain, then gamma background signal increases, but the tumor signal becomes harder to distinguish from the background

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe usability near high-uptake organsVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful gamma background signal from high-uptake organs into a useful reference for background subtraction, using the gamma detector to map and subtract background radiation, thereby enhancing the visibility of tumor-specific beta signals even in high-background environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameters by switching from single-mode gamma detection to dual-mode beta/gamma detection, enabling the probe to distinguish tumor signals from background signals through differential detection of radiation types with different tissue penetration characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a conventional photomultiplier tube is used in the probe, then the probe can detect radiation signals, but the probe becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation detection capabilityVSAvoidprobe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical photomultiplier tube with a solid-state photomultiplier, substituting a bulky mechanical device with a compact solid-state component that maintains radiation detection capability while significantly reducing probe size and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe uses a hybrid scintillator combining CsI(Tl) and LYSO materials with complementary properties - CsI(Tl) for beta detection and LYSO for gamma detection - creating a composite detection system that achieves dual-mode functionality in a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 precise localization of tumor sites with high-resolution, real-time imaging, improving surgical accuracy and reducing tissue damage by distinguishing tumor sites from surrounding tissues, particularly in areas with high radiotracer uptake like the bladder, heart, or brain.

Implementation Method 1

a position-sensitive solid-state photomultiplier is optically bonded with a unique hybrid scintillator including a thin Crystalline Microcolumnar Structure (CMS) CsI:T1 scintillator... The CMS CsI:T1 acts primarily as a beta detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

the LYSO senses and/or images the gamma background... the LYSO scintillator... which can be used to correct the beta image for improved contrast and SNR

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 3

Employing a solid-state photomultiplier (SSPM) eliminates the bulk of a conventional photomultiplier tube (PMT)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10234573B2Digital probe

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES INC

AI summary

A dual-mode, hand-held, digital probe, designed to rapidly localize tissues of interest through gamma detection, and provide high-resolution, real-time images of the suspect area by sensing beta radiation is presented. A position-sensitive solid-state photomultiplier is optically bonded with a hybrid scintillator including a thin Crystalline Microcolumnar Structure (CMS) CsI:T1 scintillator, vapor-deposited directly onto a monolithic (polycrystalline) LYSO scintillator.