Gamma Probe Hand-Piece Control for Sensitivity and Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear-uptake probes face challenges in balancing high-energy photon sensitivity and spatial resolution, requiring manual adjustment outside the sterile surgical field, which disrupts the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A handheld nuclear-uptake surgical probe with an integrated nuclear-uptake mode controller allows direct switching between high-sensitivity and high-resolution modes within the sterile field using a probe-mounted switch, enabling quick adjustment of photon energy acceptance windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy acceptance window is widened to increase photon sensitivity, then photon sensitivity is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to counting more scattered high-energy photons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the energy acceptance window through a mode controller that allows real-time switching between multiple predefined energy windows (e.g., 10% window, 15% window, 20% window). This enables the system to adapt the energy window width based on the specific surgical task requirements, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and resolution by selecting the appropriate window width for each situation rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of energy acceptance window width by providing multiple selectable energy window settings. The mode controller allows operators to switch between different energy window parameters (10%, 15%, 20%) to optimize detection performance for different surgical scenarios, thereby resolving the trade-off between photon sensitivity and spatial resolution through parameter variation.
2Measurement precision
If the energy acceptance window is narrowed to increase spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but photon sensitivity deteriorates as fewer scattered high-energy photons are counted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the energy acceptance window width based on the surgical task at hand. The mode controller enables real-time switching between different energy window settings (10%, 15%, 20%), allowing the operator to narrow the window for high-resolution work or widen it for high-sensitivity detection, thus resolving the contradiction through dynamic adaptation rather than a fixed setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple selectable energy window parameters (10%, 15%, 20%) that can be switched between based on operational needs. This parameter change capability allows the system to optimize either spatial resolution or photon sensitivity depending on the specific surgical requirement, resolving the trade-off through flexible parameter adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of nuclear uptake parameters is performed outside the sterile surgical field, then parameter adjustment is possible, but the surgical process is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the parameter adjustment functionality directly into the probe housing by integrating a mode controller with physical buttons. This combination allows all nuclear uptake parameter adjustments to be made from within the sterile field without requiring external intervention, thereby maintaining adaptability while eliminating the time loss associated with leaving the sterile field for adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe becomes self-sufficient for parameter adjustment through the integrated mode controller with physical buttons that can be operated directly from within the sterile surgical field. The system serves itself by providing on-site parameter adjustment capability, eliminating the need to call for external assistance or leave the sterile field, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time loss.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nuclear-uptake modes are made available to match different surgical tasks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mode selection functionality by providing distinct physical buttons for each nuclear-uptake mode (e.g., separate buttons for 10% window mode, 15% window mode, 20% window mode). This segmentation makes the complex multi-mode system more manageable and easier to operate, as each mode can be selected through a dedicated simple interface rather than a complex menu system, thereby reducing perceived complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode controller is designed with localized physical buttons positioned for easy access from within the sterile field. Each button corresponds to a specific nuclear-uptake mode, providing local quality control for each function. This localized interface design simplifies the overall system by providing simple, dedicated controls for each mode rather than a complex integrated interface, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
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
Facilitates rapid and precise localization of radionuclide concentrations by allowing surgeons to match probe settings to the surgical task without leaving the sterile field, reducing probe size and cost while improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator configured to convert the gamma photons into optical photons
Implementation Method 2
an optically-coupled photodiode configured to convert the optical photons into an induced charge pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, techniques and systems are described for facilitating identification of a target area during a probe-guided radio-localization surgical procedure. The described apparatus, techniques and systems can be used to implement a nuclear-uptake mode controller integrated into a probe to allow a user to instantly switch between multiple nuclear-uptake modes directly from the probe hand-piece. For example, a nuclear-uptake mode controller integrated into the probe can be used to instantly switch between a high-sensitivity nuclear uptake mode and a high-resolution nuclear-uptake mode to effectively identify the target area in the presence of interfering nuclear signals by better matching the probe's nuclear detection parameters to a search task for that target area.