Handheld NIR Tissue Probe for Real-Time Breast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast cancer diagnostic techniques, such as X-ray mammography, are limited in sensitivity and involve ionizing radiation, while existing handheld optical probes are bulky and expensive, making them unsuitable for widespread clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A handheld probe using multi-wavelength near-infrared LEDs and a CMOS linear image sensor for diffuse optical spectroscopy, capable of generating real-time, high-resolution cross-sectional images of breast tissue, with integrated sensors for contact pressure and orientation, and a computing system for data processing and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-ray mammography is used for breast cancer screening, then screening coverage is achieved, but sensitivity is limited and ionizing radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray imaging system with a diffuse optical imaging system using near-infrared light. This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation while providing functional and compositional imaging capabilities through optical properties of tissue chromophores, directly addressing the harmful radiation issue while maintaining detection sensitivity through multi-wavelength optical spectroscopy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from ionizing radiation (X-ray) to non-ionizing near-infrared light. By operating in the optical window (650-1100 nm) where tissue chromophores have low absorption, the system achieves deep tissue penetration without radiation exposure, and uses multi-wavelength detection to maintain sensitivity for detecting tissue abnormalities
2Ease of operation
If existing handheld optical probes are used for breast cancer detection, then non-invasive imaging is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, commercially available components including LEDs and CMOS image sensors that can be integrated into simple handheld probes. These components are mass-produced and low-cost compared to specialized medical imaging equipment, enabling widespread deployment in point-of-care settings without requiring complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional handheld probe that combines light sources, detectors, and processing capabilities in a single portable device. The system can perform multiple imaging functions (functional imaging, compositional imaging, angiogenesis detection) using the same hardware platform, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity
3Loss of information
If conventional imaging modalities are used, then structural imaging is achieved, but functional and compositional information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sequential illumination at multiple discrete wavelengths (e.g., 650 nm, 750 nm, 850 nm, 950 nm) to probe different tissue chromophores. This periodic wavelength switching enables the system to extract functional information (oxygenation, metabolism) and compositional information (water, fat, hemoglobin concentrations) by measuring tissue optical properties at each wavelength and analyzing the spectral signatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tissue chromophores (hemoglobin, water, fat, melanin) as natural spectral intermediaries that absorb and scatter light at characteristic wavelengths. By detecting the wavelength-dependent optical properties mediated by these chromophores, the system quantitatively determines tissue composition and function without requiring external contrast agents or complex biochemical assays
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 accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective breast cancer diagnostics with improved sensitivity and depth penetration, suitable for point-of-care settings, and adaptable for various tissue imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
The handheld probe may include multiple light emitters 16 positioned within the housing. The light emitters 16 may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths corresponding to absorption characteristics of human tissue constituents. The light emitters 16 may comprise light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
The handheld probe 10 may further include a light sensor 18 configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected or scattered from tissue
Implementation Method 3
The light emitters 16 may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths corresponding to absorption characteristics of human tissue constituents
Data Source
AI summary
A portable optical spectroscopy system may provide noninvasive imaging of human tissue. The system may comprise a multi-wavelength near-infrared emitter source including at least one multi-chip light source configured to sequentially emit light at multiple wavelengths. A local controller may be configured to control a light emission sequence at two or more wavelengths. A sensor may be aligned in reflectance geometry with the emitter sources and configured to detect diffusely reflected near infrared light from biological tissue. A remote processor may be configured to reconstruct two-dimensional images of tissue optical properties in real time. Sequential NIR illumination from at least one source may be aligned with the sensor detector. The multi-wavelength near-infrared emitter source may comprise wavelengths selected from 670 nm, 810 nm, and 950 nm corresponding to absorption characteristics of deoxyhemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, water, and fat. The system may generate cross-sectional images displaying spatial distribution of tissue constituents.