Fiber Optic Laparoscope for Non-Invasive Cellular Ionic Activity Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophysiology techniques for measuring cellular ionic activity are invasive, often damaging cells and limited in their ability to observe detailed electrical activity across biological tissues, particularly in large scales like the heart, where methods like patch clamp and EMG have limitations in spatial resolution and invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system using a laparoscopic instrument integrated with a fiber optic delivery system, including a graded index lens and optical source, to non-invasively visualize and measure ionic channel activity across biological samples by focusing light on the sample and filtering backscattered light to determine the state and activity of ionic channels without causing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrophysiology techniques (patch clamp, EMG) are used to measure cellular ionic activity, then measurement capability is achieved, but cell damage and invasiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical measurement systems (electrodes, patch clamp probes) with an optical system. Fiber optic cables deliver light to excite ions in cells, and the same fiber optics detect emitted light signals, eliminating the need for physical contact with cells that causes damage in traditional electrophysiology methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to transfer energy and information between the measurement system and cells. Instead of direct electrical contact, light excites ions and carries information about ionic activity back through the fiber optic cable, serving as a non-invasive mediator that avoids cell damage.
2Measurement precision
If traditional electrodes are used for measurement, then electrical activity can be detected, but spatial resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into separate optical components: light delivery through fiber optic cores, focusing through graded index lenses, and detection through photodetectors. This segmentation allows precise spatial targeting of individual cells or regions while maintaining system manageability through modular optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from electrical measurement dimensions to optical measurement dimensions. By using light wavelengths and optical focusing, the system achieves spatial resolution in three-dimensional space within tissue, adding depth dimension capability that traditional surface electrodes cannot provide.
3Measurement precision
If invasive electrodes are placed in tissue, then ionic activity measurement is possible, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical procedures of electrode insertion, positioning, and connection with a simplified optical procedure. The fiber optic cable can be inserted once and used to both deliver excitation light and collect emission signals, eliminating the need for multiple electrode placements and reducing procedural complexity and time.
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 high-resolution, non-invasive visualization and measurement of ionic channel activity across biological samples, allowing for real-time assessment and potential therapeutic interventions, such as treating atrial fibrillation by identifying and correcting high impedance points in the heart's electrical pathways.
Implementation Method 1
The graded index lens is configured to: contact a biological sample; focus a ray of light on the biological sample, wherein the ray of light is emanating from the fiber optic core
Implementation Method 2
The fiber optic core is configured to: transmit light to the graded index lens
Implementation Method 3
produce an image of an interface at the graded index lens and the biological sample
Implementation Method 4
produce an image of an interface at the graded index lens and the biological sample
Implementation Method 5
filter backscattered light reflected from the biological sample to select light from a field plane within the biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are improved systems and methods for cellular ionic activity visualization. Specifically, for example, the systems and methods can observe and characterize biological ionic channel activity and subsequently detect, measure or manipulate a biological sample in the field of biological or medical sciences on the cellular level. Such a capability can be implemented across any type of biological cell which possesses ionic channels on the surface or contained within.