Handheld Electromagnetic Tissue Assessment for Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic tomography (EMT) technologies for assessing biological tissue are cumbersome, invasive, and difficult to use, lacking a convenient, non-invasive method for clinicians to evaluate soft tissue viability and functional/pathological conditions at the point of care.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electromagnetic field-based bio-sensing and bio-imaging system comprising a handheld control unit, probe, and tracking unit, allowing for non-invasive assessment of biological tissue using electromagnetic fields to determine tissue viability and abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electromagnetic tomography (EMT) technologies are used for assessing biological tissue, then tissue assessment capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate (cumbersome, difficult to use)
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a handheld probe for electromagnetic signal transmission and reception, a control unit for signal processing, and a display unit for visualizing tissue assessment results. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining assessment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical EMT systems with an electromagnetic field-based approach using handheld probes that transmit and receive electromagnetic signals through tissue. This substitution eliminates cumbersome mechanical components while preserving the core functionality of tissue assessment through electromagnetic signal analysis.
2Reliability
If traditional EMT technologies are used, then tissue assessment is performed, but ease of operation worsens (difficult to use at point of care)
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld probe integrates both transmission and reception capabilities in a single self-contained unit that can be independently operated. The probe automatically processes electromagnetic signals and provides real-time tissue assessment feedback, eliminating the need for complex external equipment or specialized operator skills required by traditional EMT systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs handheld probes operating at specific electromagnetic frequencies that penetrate tissue effectively while maintaining safety. By optimizing electromagnetic signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, modulation), the system achieves reliable tissue assessment with simple handheld operation, making it suitable for point-of-care use without requiring complex operational procedures.
3Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used for tissue assessment, then measurement precision may improve, but object-affected harmful factors worsen (invasive procedure)
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld electromagnetic probe serves as a non-invasive intermediary that transmits electromagnetic signals through tissue to obtain assessment data. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for physical intrusion into tissue while still providing sufficient measurement precision for soft tissue viability assessment, as electromagnetic signals can detect tissue properties without breaking the skin or requiring surgical intervention.
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
Provides a non-invasive, convenient, and accurate method for assessing soft tissue viability and identifying tissue abnormalities, reducing complications and enhancing surgical intervention timing.
Implementation Method 1
the probe irradiates an electromagnetic field, generated by the control unit, into the biological object and while the probe receives the irradiated electromagnetic field after being scattered and/or reflected by the biological object
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying and locating tissue abnormalities in a biological tissue includes irradiating an electromagnetic signal, via a probe defining a transmitting probe, in the vicinity of a biological tissue. The irradiated electromagnetic signal is received at a probe, defining a receiving probe, after the signal is scattered/reflected by the biological tissue. Blood flow information pertaining to the biological tissue is provided. Based on the received irradiated electromagnetic signal and the blood flow information, tissue properties of the biological tissue are reconstructed. A tracking unit determines the position of at least one of the transmitting probe and the receiving probe while the step of receiving is being carried out, the at least one probe defining a tracked probe. The reconstructed tissue properties are correlated with the determined probe position so that tissue abnormalities can be identified and spatially located.