Fluorescence-Based Laser Ablation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems lack a robust and rapid real-time detection method for breast cancer tumors using fluorescent markers, and the simultaneous use of ablation lasers and fluorescence detection complicates surgical procedures by requiring operation of two sensitive devices referencing the same coordinate system.
Innovation Solution
A medical device that optically couples an excitation light source and an ablation light source via a beam combiner, allowing for simultaneous illumination and ablation, with a controller to direct the light sources and a camera to detect fluorescence, enabling precise tissue removal based on fluorescence conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate sensitive devices (ablation laser and fluorescence detector) are used simultaneously, then both ablation and detection functions are achieved, but the coordinate system reference becomes complicated and surgical dexterity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the excitation light source and ablation light source into a single integrated device that shares a common coordinate system and optical path. The beam combiner allows both light sources to operate simultaneously without requiring separate reference frames, thereby resolving the coordination complexity while maintaining dual functionality for both fluorescence excitation and tissue ablation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions (fluorescence excitation and ablation) through a single unified system architecture. The common optical path and shared coordinate system enable the device to switch between or perform both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate devices and their associated reference system complexities.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated device is used, then device complexity is reduced and dexterity is improved, but the requirement for precise optical coupling between excitation and ablation light sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam combiner serves as an intermediary optical component that precisely couples the excitation and ablation light paths. This intermediary element enables accurate optical alignment and coupling between the two light sources while maintaining a simplified overall device architecture, thereby achieving precise optical coupling without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescent markers are used for real-time detection, then tumor detection capability is improved, but the need for simultaneous ablation laser operation complicates the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the excitation light source for fluorescence detection with the ablation light source in a single integrated device, the patent enables simultaneous operation of both detection and ablation functions. This eliminates the procedural complexity of coordinating separate devices and allows the surgeon to perform tumor detection and ablation in a unified, more straightforward surgical workflow.
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 selective and efficient removal of cancerous tissues while simplifying surgical procedures by integrating excitation and ablation light sources, improving dexterity and real-time detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
These markers can selectively bind to cancer cells, and upon suitable light excitation will fluoresce (emit light)
Implementation Method 2
the use of lasers to ablate tumors has been explored in various surgical procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, an apparatus and method are described for ablating tissue in response to determining a fluorescence condition. An excitation light source may produce excitation light at an excitation wavelength of a fluorophore. A beam scanner may direct the excitation light towards a tissue location. A fluorophore may produce emission light in response to absorbing the excitation light. A camera may capture an image of the tissue location. In response to the image indicating emission light at the tissue location, an ablation light source may produce ablation light. The beam scanner may direct the ablation light towards the tissue location. Additionally or alternatively, a topography map may be generated and certain aspects of the apparatus and/or the method may be adjusted based on the topography map.