Fluorescence Detection Conduit with Periodic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence-guided surgery techniques for tumor removal are limited by reliance on subjective visual assessment, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies due to the inability to distinguish vital tissue from tumor tissue under blue excitation light, and are hindered by photobleaching and limited field of view, resulting in insufficient tumor resection and potential damage to healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for detecting fluorescence using a transparent conduit system that includes light sources and receivers, with a computing device to compare fluorescence signals to predefined thresholds, enabling near-real-time detection and differentiation of fluorophores, such as PpIX, even at low concentrations, and reducing photobleaching by minimizing exposure to excitation light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blue excitation light is used to visualize tumor fluorescence, then tumor tissue identification is improved, but the ability to distinguish vital tissue from tumor tissue deteriorates due to significantly reduced contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination and detection process into distinct temporal phases: first illuminating with blue light to detect tumor fluorescence, then switching to white light to assess vital tissue. This temporal segmentation allows the system to optimize for tumor detection at one moment and vital tissue identification at another, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical microscope implements periodic switching between blue light and white light illumination modes. This periodic action enables alternating between tumor fluorescence detection (blue light) and vital tissue visualization (white light), allowing the surgeon to sequentially obtain both types of information without the limitations of continuous single-mode illumination.
2Measurement precision
If continuous exposure to excitation light is used to maintain fluorescence visibility, then tumor detection is improved, but photobleaching increases reducing fluorophore effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic illumination with blue light rather than continuous exposure, switching to white light or no illumination during other periods. This pulsed or intermittent excitation maintains sufficient fluorescence signal for detection while significantly reducing cumulative photobleaching of the PpIX fluorophore, thereby extending its effective duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous surgical workflow by implementing rapid switching between blue and white light modes, ensuring that fluorescence detection occurs continuously when needed without requiring prolonged continuous blue light exposure. This maintains detection capability while minimizing photobleaching through optimized timing and duration of excitation light application.
3Measurement precision
If surgical microscope with limited field of view is used for fluorescence detection, then detailed tumor visualization is improved, but overall tumor resection assessment deteriorates due to invisible remains and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capabilities of the surgical microscope (for detailed fluorescence visualization) with wide-angle photographic documentation systems. The microscope captures detailed views of tumor fluorescence and vital tissue boundaries, while the photographic system captures comprehensive views of the entire surgical cavity including hard-to-reach angles. Together, these merged systems provide both detailed and complete assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies of the surgical field through photography and imaging that can be reviewed independently of the direct microscope view. These copies capture areas that may be difficult to visualize directly through the microscope, including distant angles and remaining tumor portions, providing a comprehensive record that supplements the detailed but limited microscopic views.
4Measurement precision
If manual configuration of light sources is required for fluorescence detection, then detection capability is improved, but operative performance deteriorates due to slowed surgical workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical microscope is equipped with automated light source configuration that performs the switching between blue and white light modes without requiring manual intervention from the surgeon. The system automatically configures illumination parameters based on the detected surgical context or pre-programmed protocols, enabling fluorescence detection capability while maintaining efficient surgical workflow without manual configuration delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms that monitor surgical conditions and automatically adjust light source configuration accordingly. When tumor tissue is detected or fluorescence is identified, the system automatically switches to appropriate illumination modes, eliminating the need for manual configuration and maintaining both detection capability and surgical efficiency through real-time adaptive control.
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 enhances sensitivity and accuracy in tumor tissue identification, reduces tissue damage by allowing for precise removal of non-fluorescent areas, and accelerates surgical performance by providing real-time feedback and reducing photobleaching, thereby improving patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the surgical cavity is exposed to PpIX exciting blue light, generating fluorescence at a peak wavelength of ca. 635 nm, generated by PpIX
Implementation Method 2
one or more light receivers operable to detect fluorescence generated by one or more fluorophores comprised in the sample being transported in the transparent conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus (100) for detecting fluorescence of a sample (118, 119) obtained from an object, the sample (118, 119) comprising one or more fluorophores and representing a disease or condition, and the sample (118, 119) being transported away from the object in a transparent conduit (131). The apparatus comprises a housing (101) comprising one or more light sources (110) and one or more light receivers (120), and a computing device (180). It is also disclosed a method for detecting fluorescence of a sample (118, 119) obtained from an object, the sample (118, 119) comprising one or more fluorophores and representing a disease or condition, and the sample (118, 119) being transported away from the object in a transparent conduit (131). Furthermore, it is disclosed uses of the apparatus (100) and a kit-of-parts comprising the apparatus (100).