Fluorescence-Guided Suction Cannula for Real-Time Brain Tumor Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical systems struggle to achieve gross total resection (GTR) of lower-grade gliomas due to the low level of fluorescence emitted by tumor cells, which are not detectable by the human eye, and require frequent switching between excitation and white light illumination, leading to photo-bleaching and inadequate illumination in deep cavities.
Innovation Solution
A neurosurgical system with a suction tool equipped with an optical fiber and an indicator, coupled to an excitation source and optical instrument, which converts fluorescence into an electrical signal for real-time detection of tumorous tissue using a controller, allowing continuous white light operation and reducing the need for frequent illumination changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the surgical microscope switches between excitation light and white light illumination to detect fluorescence, then tumor tissue detection is possible, but photo-bleaching occurs and surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates fluorescence detection and white light illumination into different operational modes. The surgical microscope can detect fluorescence when needed while maintaining the ability to provide continuous white light illumination, allowing the surgeon to switch between detection and resection modes without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary fluorescence detection before and during resection to identify tumor boundaries and guide the surgical process. By detecting fluorescence in advance and continuously monitoring during surgery, the system enables proactive tumor margin identification rather than reactive detection.
2Measurement precision
If the surgical microscope uses excitation light for fluorescence detection, then tumor tissue can be identified, but the operating room must be darkened reducing surgical visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts illumination conditions based on the operational phase. During fluorescence detection, the excitation light is activated and ambient light is reduced. During resection, white light illumination is maximized and excitation light is minimized. This dynamic switching optimizes both detection accuracy and surgical visibility at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between fluorescence detection mode and white light illumination mode. The surgical microscope alternates between brief fluorescence detection periods and sustained white light illumination periods, allowing tumor identification followed by adequate visual guidance for resection.
3Measurement precision
If 5-ALA is used to enhance fluorescence in high-grade tumors, then detection sensitivity improves, but it remains ineffective for lower-grade tumors with low fluorescence emission
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a sensitive photodetector as an intermediary between the fluorescence source and the observer. The photodetector amplifies and converts weak fluorescence signals into detectable electrical signals, enabling the detection of low-level fluorescence from lower-grade tumors that are below the threshold of human visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the human visual system with an electronic detection system. Instead of relying on the surgeon's eyes to detect fluorescence, a photodetector array with higher sensitivity converts optical signals into electrical signals that can be processed and displayed, extending detection capability to tumors with very low fluorescence emission.
4Measurement precision
If the surgical microscope illuminates tumor area with excitation light to detect fluorescence, then tumor margins can be identified, but frequent switching causes time loss and reduces surgical productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous fluorescence detection during the surgical procedure. Rather than requiring intermittent switching between detection and resection modes, the enhanced detection system allows real-time monitoring of fluorescence signals while maintaining surgical workflow, reducing interruptions and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on fluorescence signals during resection. The photodetector continuously monitors fluorescence intensity and provides immediate feedback to the surgeon, enabling continuous tumor margin identification without requiring the surgeon to stop and manually adjust illumination settings.
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
Enhances the chances of achieving GTR by accurately detecting low levels of fluorescence in real-time, minimizing photo-bleaching, and effectively illuminating deep cavities, thereby improving surgical precision and tissue resection outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
High-grade tumor cells containing PPIX absorb the excitation light and emit fluorescence (i.e., red fluorescence) having specific optical characteristics
Implementation Method 2
Each time the target area is illuminated with the excitation light from the surgical microscope, the PPIX present at the tumor site may degrade due to photo-bleaching from being illuminated by the strong excitation light
Implementation Method 3
an optical instrument coupled to the optical fiber. The optical instrument is configured to convert the fluorescence emitted by the brain tissue and transmitted by the optical fiber into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 4
an excitation source configured to emit an excitation light. The excitation light having a wavelength to induce the fluorescence in the tumorous tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A neurosurgery system for probing brain tissue of a patient for tumorous tissue. The system including a suction tool, an excitation source, an optical instrument, and a controller. The suction tool including a suction cannula defining a lumen, an optical fiber configured to transmit fluorescence emitted by the brain tissue; and an indicator configured to selectively emit visible light. An excitation source is configured to emit an excitation light having a wavelength to induce the fluorescence in the tumorous tissue. The optical instrument is coupled to the optical fiber. The optical instrument configured to convert the fluorescence emitted by the brain tissue and transmitted by the optical and configured to determine that the brain tissue is tumorous based on the electrical signal and activate the indicator based on the determination.