Fluorescence Endoscope for Sub-5 mm Tumor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic instruments for malignant tumors, such as endoscopes, rely on morphological principles and high-resolution imaging but struggle to detect tumors smaller than 5 mm, especially in the precancerous lesion stage, as they lack the capability to differentiate between normal and malignant tissues based on cellular-level characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An optical observation equipment and method using a laser emitter emitting 340 nm±20 nm wavelength light in a pulsing mode, combined with white light, to excite fluorescence from tissues, and a graphene photosensitive element to detect fluorescence patterns characteristic of normal, benign, and malignant tissues, enabling identification based on fluorescence color analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If morphological diagnosis methods are used with high-resolution imaging equipment, then imaging quality is improved, but the ability to detect tumors smaller than 5 mm deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from morphological characteristics to fluorescence spectral characteristics. By using laser excitation at specific wavelengths (337 nm, 365 nm, 405 nm) and analyzing the fluorescence emission spectra, the system can detect biochemical changes in tissues at the cellular level, enabling reliable detection of tumors smaller than 5 mm that are invisible to morphological methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system with a fluorescence spectroscopy system. Instead of relying on light reflection and image formation, the system uses laser excitation to induce fluorescence emission from tissue molecules (NADH, porphyrin, protein), and analyzes the spectral characteristics to identify malignant transformations at the molecular level
2Measurement precision
If confocal laser scanning endoscope is used to improve imaging resolution, then imaging level is improved, but the detection of malignant tumors smaller than 5 mm deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the confocal laser scanning microscopy system with a fluorescence spectroscopy system. While confocal microscopy provides high-resolution images, it still relies on morphological assessment. The new system uses laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to detect biochemical changes at the molecular level, providing functional information that precedes morphological changes and enables earlier detection of malignant tumors
3Reliability
If morphological diagnosis based on physician experience is used, then diagnostic capability for advanced tumors is improved, but the detection of precancerous lesions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective morphological diagnosis with objective fluorescence spectral analysis. The system measures specific spectral parameters (NADH fluorescence intensity, porphyrin absorption characteristics, protein fluorescence) that provide quantitative biochemical information about tissue health, eliminating reliance on physician experience and enabling precise detection of precancerous lesions through molecular-level changes
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 method effectively identifies malignant tumors smaller than 5 mm by distinguishing between normal, benign, and malignant tissues through fluorescence patterns, significantly improving early detection and treatment opportunities.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter, which is disposed in the receiving space and emits laser with a wavelength of 340 nm±20 nm and an energy of 0.3 ̃0.5 mj/m2 in a pulsing mode
Implementation Method 2
excite fluorescence from tissues, and a graphene photosensitive element to detect fluorescence patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is optical observation equipment for identifying the forming process of a malignant tumor, which is provided with a receiving space and a transparent front end. The optical observation equipment comprises: a light-guide fiber, a laser emitter, a focusing device, a white light emitter, an image sensor, a high gain amplifier and an encoding and emitting device, wherein the light-guide fiber extends to the transparent front end from the receiving space; the laser emitter emits laser with a wavelength of 340 nm±20 nm and an energy of 0.3˜0.5 mj/m2 in a pulsing mode; the focusing device is coupled to the output end of the laser emitter and used for focusing the laser to the input end of the light-guide fiber; the white light emitter is used for emitting white light, and the white light is guided into the input end of the light-guide fiber, wherein the laser emitter and the white light emitter are alternately turned on; the image sensor is used for acquiring an image of an area irradiated by light emitted from the output end of the light-guide fiber and converting a light signal into an electric signal; the high gain amplifier is coupled to the image sensor and is used for amplifying the electric signal generated by the image sensor; and the encoding and emitting device is coupled to the high gain amplifier and is used for encoding the signal output by the high gain amplifier and emitting the encoded signal.