Electronic Collimation for Gamma Detection Probes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Commercially available gamma detection probes are cumbersome and lack depth detection capability due to heavy metal shielding, making them unsuitable for minimally invasive surgical procedures, especially when dealing with high-energy radioisotopes.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held gamma detection system with a central controller and software algorithms, utilizing a collimated field of view achieved by two detectors aligned along the probe's long axis without heavy metal shielding, allowing for reduced diameter and increased sensitivity to detect the depth of radiation sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heavy metal shielding is used to block off-axis radiation for high-energy gamma detection, then detection capability for high-energy radioisotopes is improved, but probe size and weight increase making it cumbersome for intraoperative use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidprobe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical heavy metal shielding system with an electronic collimation system using software algorithms. The central controller processes signals from multiple detectors to electronically define the field of view and reject off-axis radiation, eliminating the need for physical shielding materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the detection system by using multiple detectors at different positions and applying energy discrimination thresholds. The software algorithm adjusts detection parameters dynamically to maintain reliability without physical shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If heavy metal shielding is used to block off-axis radiation, then detection accuracy is improved, but probe diameter increases preventing use through standard Trocar ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprobe diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical collimation structures with electronic field of view definition. The central controller uses software to selectively process signals from detectors based on their spatial arrangement and energy characteristics, achieving precise measurement without increasing probe diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from spatial collimation (physical blocking) to temporal and energetic discrimination. The system uses time-correlated single photon counting and energy thresholds to define the detection field, adding temporal and spectral dimensions to the detection process rather than relying solely on spatial filtering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional gamma probe design with shielding is used, then off-axis radiation is blocked, but depth detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoff-axis radiation rejectionVSAvoiddepth information

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function across multiple detectors positioned at different locations and orientations. Each detector provides spatially-resolved information, and the central controller integrates these segmented signals to reconstruct both the position and depth of the radiation source, maintaining off-axis rejection while recovering depth information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through iterative signal processing where the central controller analyzes patterns of coincident detections across multiple detectors to determine source depth. The software algorithm continuously refines the depth estimation based on the spatial and temporal correlations of detected photons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 detection of high-energy radioisotopes in minimally invasive surgeries by reducing the probe's size and enhancing sensitivity, facilitating its use in intraoperative settings like laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

two gamma radiation detectors aligned on the long axis of the handheld probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11467295B2Gamma detection system incorporating electronic probe collimation

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 OHIO STATE INNOVATION FOUND

AI summary

An instrument and software methodology to detect a radioactive source and incorporates the following:1) two radiation detectors in a co-axial configuration, housed in a handheld probe, and2) a gamma detection control unit executing software algorithms to limit the functional field of view to the front aspect of the probe, vary the depth and width of the field of view to provide collimation without the use of metallic shielding, and allowing the instrument to measure the distance to the radiation source.