FTIR Spectroscopy Cell Sorting for Cancer Screening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for screening and monitoring cancer, particularly esophageal adenocarcinoma, are inefficient due to high costs, variability in diagnosis, and limited consistency, necessitating a more accurate and cost-effective method for identifying cancerous and precancerous tissues.

Innovation Solution

The use of FTIR spectroscopy to analyze tissue samples by scanning and separating cells based on their spectral characteristics, allowing for rapid identification of predominant tissue types and disease states, such as dysplasia, through the creation of a spectral library for comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If qualitative histopathological analysis is used for cancer screening, then diagnostic accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidscreening time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical histopathological analysis process with FTIR spectroscopy, an optical/chemical method. The FTIR system scans tissue samples and automatically generates spectral data that can be rapidly analyzed by computer algorithms, eliminating the need for manual microscopic examination while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for identifying cancerous and precancerous tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a spectral library that serves as a reference copy of known tissue types and disease states. By comparing the spectral signature of test samples against this pre-established library, the system can rapidly identify tissue characteristics without requiring time-consuming manual analysis, thus reducing screening time while preserving diagnostic precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If detailed histological review is performed on all biopsies, then diagnostic thoroughness is maintained, but surveillance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic thoroughnessVSAvoidsurveillance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by using FTIR screening to identify only those biopsies that require detailed histological review. Instead of reviewing all biopsies thoroughly, the system performs rapid spectral screening first, then applies comprehensive histological analysis only to samples flagged as potentially abnormal, thereby maintaining diagnostic reliability while significantly reducing overall surveillance costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary FTIR spectroscopy analysis to all biopsy samples before they undergo detailed histological review. This preliminary screening step filters out normal samples that do not require further examination, ensuring that resources are concentrated only on suspicious cases and reducing the total cost of surveillance while maintaining thoroughness for relevant cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If FTIR spectroscopy is used for rapid screening, then screening speed increases, but diagnostic precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening speedVSAvoiddiagnostic precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spectral library as an intermediary reference system that bridges rapid FTIR screening and accurate diagnosis. The library contains pre-characterized spectral signatures of various tissue types and disease states, allowing the system to achieve both speed and precision by comparing test samples against this comprehensive reference database rather than relying solely on raw spectral data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the FTIR system continuously refines its diagnostic accuracy by comparing results against the spectral library and learning from confirmed diagnoses. The system uses feedback from histopathological confirmations to update and improve its spectral analysis algorithms, ensuring that screening speed does not compromise diagnostic precision over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enables rapid, point-of-care screening for dysplastic biopsies, reducing the need for detailed histological review, lowering surveillance costs, and facilitating immediate treatment decisions, while also being applicable to other potentially cancerous and precancerous tissues.

Implementation Method 1

Providing the spectra produced by scanning the sample using FTIR spectroscopy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFTIR spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS11598719B2Method, computer programme and system for analysing a sample comprising identifying or sorting cells according to the FTIR spectrum each cell produces

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 SIERRA MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for improving the screening of histological samples, especially samples that may include cancerous or precancerous cells, or cells having other disease states. The method involves analysing a sample obtained from a subject and comprises the steps of providing the spectra produced by scanning the sample using FTIR spectroscopy and identifying or sorting the cells in the sample according to the spectrum each produces.