Minimally invasive device with spectrophotometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system and method to obtain spectrophotometric data from tissue in a minimally invasive manner, particularly for sensing chemical compounds like glucose levels or distinguishing healthy from diseased tissue.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive device integrated with a spectrophotometer, comprising a transmitting and receiving fiber, a light source, and a photodetector, designed to occupy a small volume, allowing for coherent or direct detection of light, and configured for use with various minimally invasive devices such as wearable patches, biopsy needles, and endoscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spectrophotometer is integrated into a minimally invasive device, then spectrophotometric data acquisition capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrophotometer components (light source, photodetector, optical fibers) are nested within the minimally invasive device structure, with fibers running through the insertion tube and the head positioned at the distal end, allowing the device to fit within constrained anatomical spaces while maintaining full spectrophotometric functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from bulk optical components to fiber-optic based detection, moving the measurement capability from a three-dimensional bulk structure to a one-dimensional linear structure that can be inserted through narrow pathways, effectively reducing the spatial footprint while maintaining detection capability
2Ease of operation
If the spectrophotometer head volume is reduced to less than 300 cubic centimeters, then ease of insertion is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrophotometer is divided into separate functional modules (light source module, photodetector module, optical fiber bundle, head assembly) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled, reducing the complexity of manufacturing a single integrated compact unit while achieving the required small form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The minimally invasive device with integrated spectrophotometer can perform multiple functions including spectrophotometric measurements, tissue characterization, and potential therapeutic interventions, allowing a single compact device to replace multiple separate instruments, thereby justifying the increased manufacturing complexity through enhanced operational versatility
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 accurate and efficient acquisition of spectrophotometric data with reduced invasiveness, facilitating real-time monitoring and improved diagnostic capabilities, including tissue differentiation and temperature estimation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source connected to the transmitting fiber
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector connected to the receiving fiber
Implementation Method 3
obtaining spectrophotometric data from tissue of a subject may be advantageous, e.g., to sense levels of chemical compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive spectrophotometric system. In some embodiments, the system includes a minimally invasive device and a spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer may include: a transmitting fiber, a receiving fiber, and a head. The head of the spectrophotometer may include: a light source connected to the transmitting fiber and a photodetector connected to the receiving fiber. A portion of the transmitting fiber may be in an insertion tube of the minimally invasive device, and a portion of the receiving fiber may be in the insertion tube of the minimally invasive device. The head of the spectrophotometer may occupy a volume of less than 300 cubic centimeters.