Flexible Handheld Optical Probe for 3D Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NIR optical imaging systems for breast cancer diagnostics are limited by their large and bulky design, causing patient discomfort, inability to conform to different tissue curvatures, and slow data acquisition rates due to single point illumination and detection geometries, which restricts their ability to perform effective 3-D tomography studies.
Innovation Solution
A flexible optical imaging system with a probe head that employs simultaneous multiple point illumination and detection, along with tracking facilities to associate location data with sensor data, enabling the generation of 3-D tomographic data for tissue objects, using a combination of fiber optic cables and pivotable sections to adapt to curved surfaces and improve contact accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional NIR imaging apparatus are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but the systems are large and bulky, causing patient discomfort and lack of portability
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into separate functional modules: a handheld probe head containing illumination and detection fibers, a tracking system with transmitters and receivers, and a separate processing unit. This segmentation allows the probe to be small and portable while distributing other system components elsewhere, directly resolving the contradiction between portability and system functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional NIR imaging apparatus are used, then imaging is possible, but the apparatus require compression of patient breast tissue, causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is designed with a curved surface that conforms to the natural curvature of breast tissue, eliminating the need for compression. The flexible probe can adapt to different tissue shapes and curvatures, providing comfortable patient contact while maintaining effective optical coupling for imaging.
3Productivity
If single point illumination and detection measurement geometries are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data acquisition rates are slow, increasing patient wait time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple illumination points and detection points are combined into a single handheld probe head, allowing simultaneous multi-point measurement geometry. This merging enables high data acquisition rates by collecting measurements from multiple locations concurrently, while the integrated design keeps the device manageable in terms of complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous scanning motion with real-time tracking, allowing the probe to continuously acquire data as it moves across the tissue surface. This continuous action eliminates idle time between measurements and maximizes data acquisition rate throughout the imaging process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flat measuring probe heads are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the probe cannot conform to different tissue curvatures, limiting imaging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is designed with a curved surface that conforms to the natural curvature of breast tissue, eliminating the need for compression. The flexible probe can adapt to different tissue shapes and curvatures, providing comfortable patient contact while maintaining effective optical coupling for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe head incorporates flexible components including flexible printed circuit boards and flexible fiber optic cable routing, allowing the rigid electronic components to be mounted on a flexible substrate that can bend and conform to curved tissue surfaces without breaking or disconnecting.
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
This approach allows for reduced patient discomfort, enhanced data acquisition rates, and the ability to perform accurate 3-D tomography studies on various tissue curvatures, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of breast cancer diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of optical source fibers may be disposed on the plate with second ends for launching near-infrared light onto a surface of a three-dimensional tissue object
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of optical detector fibers may be disposed on the plate and arranged around the optical source fibers with second ends for receiving and transmitting light
Implementation Method 3
tracking facilities for associating location data with sensor data to enable generation of 3-D tomographic data
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed method and system uses a hand-held based optical process to image large tissue volumes using a flexible probe head, increased data acquisition using multi-source illumination and multi-detector sensing, and tomographic reconstruction of sub-surface structures of a target object using ultrasonic tracking facilities.