Intravesical Fluorescent Dye Sentinel Node Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting sentinel lymph nodes in bladder cancer patients are difficult to perform accurately and have a high rate of false negatives, particularly when nodes are located outside the obturator fossa, and existing imaging technologies are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Intravesical administration of a non-toxic fluorescent dye, such as indocyanine green, which is instilled into the bladder lumen, allowing the dye to flow through lymphatic vessels to sentinel nodes, where they can be identified by fluorescence, reducing the need for invasive injections and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional injection methods are used to detect sentinel lymph nodes, then detection capability is achieved, but accuracy is poor and false negative rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluorescent dye as an intermediary substance that accumulates in sentinel lymph nodes, enabling optical detection. The dye acts as a mediator between the lymph nodes and the detection system, allowing visualization through fluorescence imaging while improving both accuracy and reducing false negatives compared to traditional injection methods alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence (color change) of the dye when excited by specific wavelengths of light to visualize sentinel lymph nodes. The fluorescent properties provide a clear visual contrast that enhances detection accuracy and allows for real-time identification during surgery, directly addressing the measurement precision and reliability issues
2Measurement precision
If invasive injection methods are used, then sentinel nodes can be marked, but surgical trauma and risk of vascular injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent dye serves as a non-invasive intermediary that can be administered intravenously and naturally accumulates in sentinel lymph nodes through the lymphatic system. This eliminates the need for direct injection into or near the nodes, reducing surgical trauma and vascular injury risk while maintaining precise node identification
Solution Approach 2:
The dye administration method allows the lymphatic system to naturally transport and concentrate the dye in sentinel nodes without requiring surgical intervention for injection. The body's own lymphatic flow performs the marking function, reducing the need for invasive procedures while achieving accurate node identification
3Measurement precision
If existing imaging technologies are used, then deep tissue penetration and high spatial resolution are achieved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluorescent dye that can be administered quickly and imaged with standard intraoperative imaging equipment, replacing costly and time-consuming advanced imaging technologies. The dye provides sufficient contrast for sentinel node identification without requiring expensive specialized imaging systems, reducing both cost and time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (such as MRI or CT) with a simpler optical fluorescence detection system. The fluorescent dye enables visualization through light excitation and emission, substituting complex mechanical scanning and processing with direct optical detection that is faster and more cost-effective
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 method enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of sentinel lymph node detection with minimal false negatives, reduces surgical trauma and time, and decreases the risk of vascular injuries, while allowing for real-time visualization during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
Intravesical administration of a non-toxic fluorescent dye, such as indocyanine green, which is instilled into the bladder lumen, allowing the dye to flow through lymphatic vessels to sentinel nodes, where they can be identified by fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods for visualizing and distinguishing sentinel lymph nodes and involved nodes from other lymph nodes in the vicinity of the bladder in patients undergoing cystectomy or other operations to remove bladder tumors.