Forceps Radiation Detector for Surgical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation detectors used during surgeries, such as gamma cameras and PET scanners, face challenges in accurately identifying the position of radionuclide accumulation within the body due to the need for operators to constantly adjust their view to align displayed radiation images with the surgical site, especially in endoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector configured as grasping forceps with two distal ends housing radiation detection elements and a reporting light emitting part, allowing the operator to identify radionuclide accumulation without shifting their gaze, through concurrent counting and light emission based on radiation detection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gamma camera or PET scanner is used to display radiation distribution images, then radiation detection capability is improved, but the operator must constantly shift their view to align the displayed image with the surgical site, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation detection function with the surgical instrument (forceps) itself, integrating the radiation detection element directly into the instrument that the operator holds and uses during surgery. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate detection devices and surgical tools, allowing the operator to maintain a single visual focus while performing both surgery and radiation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-emitting reporting element as an intermediary that translates radiation detection data into immediate visual feedback directly visible to the operator. This intermediary converts abstract radiation measurements into intuitive light signals that can be perceived without shifting attention to external displays, maintaining continuous visual awareness of both the surgical site and radiation status.
2Loss of time
If radiation detection elements are integrated into surgical instruments, then real-time identification of radionuclide accumulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical forceps are designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical grasping of tissue and simultaneous radiation detection. By making the forceps universal (capable of both surgical manipulation and nuclear medicine detection), the patent avoids adding separate specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving real-time identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation detection system is made self-contained within the forceps, with the detection element, processing circuitry, and visual reporting all integrated into the instrument itself. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex external connections and control systems, allowing the forceps to autonomously provide real-time radiation feedback directly to the operator.
3Loss of information
If external displays are used to show radiation images, then comprehensive radiation data visualization is improved, but the operator cannot simultaneously monitor both the display and surgical site, reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light emission (color/brightness changes) from a reporting element integrated into or near the surgical instrument to visualize radiation data. This allows the operator to see radiation information in the same visual field as the surgical site, with different light intensities or patterns indicating different radiation levels, thereby maintaining both comprehensive visualization and precise positioning simultaneously.
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 the operator to correctly and efficiently identify the position of radionuclide accumulation within the body tissue during surgeries, enhancing precision and reducing the need for constant visual alignment with external displays.
Implementation Method 1
at least one probe (10) which has a radiation detection element (20) housed therein
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting part (30, 130) which emits light in accordance with a result of detection of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a radiation detector that can allow an operator to more accurately identify a position of a body tissue into which radionuclides have been taken. A radiation detector includes: a probe which has a radiation detection element housed therein and which is insertable into a body; a reporting part provided to the probe; and a control part configured to cause the reporting part to operate in accordance with a result of detection of radiation, the detection being made by the radiation detection element.