Integrated Fiber Optic Probe for Image-Guided Laser Thermal Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal ablation techniques for tumor treatment face challenges in simultaneously ablating tumors and accurately monitoring tissue temperature and damage during laser ablation, with existing methods being invasive, costly, or limited in accuracy and spatial resolution, and lacking direct visualization of coagulation zones.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic probe system comprising treatment, dosimetry, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy fibers, along with a temperature sensor, that allows for simultaneous thermal ablation and real-time monitoring of tissue temperature and optical properties, enabling precise control of the ablation process and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for ablation and monitoring, then treatment functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity and procedural invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices (ablation needle, temperature sensors, imaging equipment) into a single integrated fiber optic probe that delivers laser energy and performs real-time temperature monitoring and tissue characterization through multiple fibers in one insertion site
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe performs multiple functions simultaneously: tumor ablation via treatment fiber, temperature monitoring via temperature sensor fiber, tissue optical property measurement via diffuse reflectance fibers, and dosimetry via dosimetry fiber, all through a single device insertion
2Measurement precision
If invasive temperature sensors are inserted for monitoring, then temperature measurement accuracy improves, but tissue damage and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive thermocouple sensors with optical-based temperature sensing using fiber optic probes that measure temperature through light absorption changes, eliminating the need for additional invasive sensor insertions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediaries to measure temperature indirectly through changes in light absorption by hemoglobin and water in tissue, avoiding direct contact sensors that require additional invasive insertions
3Reliability
If high optical power density is delivered for complete tumor ablation, then treatment effectiveness improves, but risk of tissue charring and normal tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring temperature and tissue optical properties during ablation, allowing dynamic adjustment of laser power to maintain temperatures in the effective range (60-100°C) without exceeding thresholds that cause charring (>120°C)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple applicators with moderate power levels rather than a single high-power applicator, distributing the ablation energy to achieve complete tumor destruction while maintaining temperatures below charring thresholds in any single location
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple applicators are used for precise ablation control, then treatment precision improves, but procedural complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring and treatment functions into a single integrated probe, allowing precise ablation control through real-time feedback from temperature and optical property measurements without requiring multiple separate device insertions
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 system achieves precise thermal ablation with real-time monitoring, ensuring complete tumor destruction while avoiding tissue charring and normal tissue damage, by delivering high optical power density and continuously assessing tissue optical properties and temperature, thus optimizing treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The tissue temperature increases due to light absorption, dominantly by blood
Implementation Method 2
Laser-induced thermal therapy (LITT) generally employs a flexible optical fiber or a diffuser attached to the tip of an optical fiber to deliver high power laser (800-1064 nm) to the target tumor
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor fiber, the temperature sensor fiber having a temperature sensor at a distal end
Implementation Method 4
a first diffuse reflectance spectroscopy fiber, a second diffuse reflectance spectroscopy fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic probe includes a first diffuse reflectance spectroscopy fiber, a second diffuse reflectance spectroscopy fiber, and a temperature sensor at a distal end of a temperature sensor fiber. Other embodiments further include a treatment fiber for delivering a high optical power density of light to a tumor and a dosimetry fiber for monitoring the light flux of the treatment fiber. Other embodiments utilize an image-guidance step in a method of using the fiber optic probe.