Miniature Fiber-Optic Probe for Quantitative Tissue Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence elastography (OCE) methods lack the capability for quantitative measurement of tissue stiffness due to the inability to quantify mechanical loading, resulting in qualitative and non-correlatable results, limiting their significance in longitudinal and comparison studies.
Innovation Solution
A novel quantitative optical coherence elastography (qOCE) system that simultaneously measures the force/stress exerted on tissue and resultant tissue deformation/strain using a miniature probe with integrated force sensing, enabling spatially resolved characterization of mechanical properties and providing reliable, quantitative measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional compression OCE is used to measure tissue displacement, then spatial resolution is improved, but the ability to quantify mechanical loading is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines displacement measurement and force quantification capabilities into a single integrated OCE system. By merging the optical coherence tomography imaging function with force sensing capability, the system simultaneously achieves high spatial resolution displacement measurement and mechanical loading quantification, eliminating the trade-off between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCE system is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures tissue displacement with high spatial resolution, quantifies applied mechanical force, and calculates tissue elastic modulus. This multi-functional capability allows a single system to provide comprehensive mechanical characterization without requiring separate measurement devices.
2Ease of operation
If qualitative compression OCE results are obtained, then measurement simplicity is improved, but result correlation across studies is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring and recording the actual force applied during compression alongside displacement measurements. This real-time force feedback enables quantitative calculation of elastic modulus, transforming qualitative observations into reliable, comparable quantitative data across different studies while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from qualitative displacement-only measurements to quantitative mechanical characterization by introducing force as a measurable parameter. By changing the measurement parameters to include both force and displacement, the system produces results that are both operationally simple and scientifically rigorous, enabling reliable correlation across longitudinal and comparative studies.
3Manufacturing precision
If ex vivo tissue specimens are used for mechanical characterization, then measurement control is improved, but tissue mechanical property accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The OCE system enables in situ mechanical characterization of tissue within the living organism, allowing the tissue to maintain its natural physiological state during measurement. The probe performs self-contained force application and measurement directly at the tissue site, eliminating the need for ex vivo specimen preparation and preserving the tissue's authentic mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical testing systems that require ex vivo specimen manipulation with an optical-based OCE system that can measure tissue mechanics in vivo. By substituting mechanical testing apparatus with optical coherence elastography, the system maintains better control over measurements while accurately preserving tissue mechanical properties in their natural state.
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 qOCE system allows for accurate, minimally invasive, in situ tissue mechanical characterization, enhancing diagnostic precision and enabling correlation of results across different measurement sessions, with potential applications in cancer diagnosis and other biomedical fields.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber-optic probe with an integrated Fabry-Perot cavity
Implementation Method 2
fiber-optic probe with integrated force sensing functionality
Implementation Method 3
spectral domain OCT (optical coherence tomography) engine
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature quantitative optical coherence elastography system with an integrated Fabry-Perot force sensor for in situ elasticity measurement of biological tissue is provided. The technique has great potential for biomechanics modeling and clinical diagnosis. The qOCE system contains a fiber-optic probe that exerts a compressive force to deform tissue at the tip of the probe. Using the space-division multiplexed optical coherence tomography signal detected by a spectral domain optical coherence tomography engine, probe deformation in proportion to the force applied is quantified, as well as the tissue deformation corresponding to the external stimulus. Simultaneous measurement of force and displacement allows for calculation of Young's modulus from the biological tissue. The provided system has had its effectiveness validated on tissue mimicking phantoms, as well as biological tissues, with the advantages of being minimal invasive and also not requiring the use of external agents or substantial pre-measuring preparation.