Fluorescent Vasculature Imaging for AVM Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging methods for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are unreliable, expensive, and inconvenient for intra-operative use during surgery, making it challenging to accurately locate and confirm the removal of AVMs in the brain.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the administration of a fluorescent dye, application of energy to induce fluorescence, and obtaining images to determine the presence or absence of AVMs, with a portable system using a laser and imaging head to visualize vasculature and confirm removal or presence of AVMs during surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional imaging methods (x-rays, CT, MRI) are used to image cerebral AVMs, then imaging capability is provided, but the methods are unreliable, expensive, and inconvenient for intra-operative use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging reliabilityVSAvoidintra-operative convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/imaging systems (x-ray, CT, MRI) with a fluorescent imaging system that uses optical excitation and detection. This substitution enables reliable real-time imaging during surgery by using fluorescent dyes excited by light sources, providing both reliability and intra-operative convenience simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the imaging parameter from traditional radiographic detection to fluorescent detection. By administering fluorescent dyes that accumulate in AVM tissue and detecting their fluorescence emission, the system achieves reliable intra-operative imaging that is both accurate and convenient for surgical use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional imaging methods are used, then imaging is provided, but it is expensive and inconvenient for intra-operative use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAVM detection accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex traditional imaging equipment (CT scanners, MRI machines) with a simpler fluorescent imaging system consisting of light sources, fluorescent dyes, and detectors. This substitution maintains AVM detection accuracy while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost for intra-operative use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter to fluorescence emission, which can be detected with relatively simple optical equipment. This parameter change enables accurate AVM identification using less complex and more cost-effective devices compared to traditional imaging modalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

Enables rapid, accurate, and inexpensive imaging of AVMs, reducing the risk of damaging non-target vasculature and ensuring successful removal by providing real-time visualization of AVMs during surgery.

Implementation Method 1

applying a sufficient amount of energy to the vessel such that the fluorescent dye fluoresces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS8185176B2Method and apparatus for vasculature visualization with applications in neurosurgery and neurology

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

The invention provides methods and systems for neurovascular imaging (150).