Implantable Passive Marker Modulation for Precise Lesion Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for localizing lesions during surgical procedures, such as wire localization and radioactive seed placement, face challenges like wire movement and seed migration, leading to inaccurate lesion identification and potential removal of healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
The development of implantable markers with energy converters, switches, and electrostatic discharge protection, which can modulate signals reflected by a probe to accurately determine their location within the body, addressing the limitations of existing localization techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire is used for localization, then the lesion location can be identified, but the wire may move between placement and surgery leading to inaccurate localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire localization system with an optical/magnetic marker system. The marker contains a light source and optical components that create a stable, easily locatable signal without mechanical constraints, eliminating the movement problem inherent in wire-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light-emitting marker with lens and reflector) between the lesion and the detection system. This intermediary provides a stable, amplified optical signal that can be accurately tracked without direct mechanical connection, solving the wire movement issue.
2Measurement precision
If a radioactive seed is used for localization, then the lesion position can be identified during surgery, but the seed may migrate within the body after needle removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive seed system with an active optical marker that emits light. The marker's self-powered optical signal provides continuous, stable localization without relying on passive radioactive decay or mechanical anchoring, eliminating migration risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker contains an internal light source that actively emits optical signals for localization. This self-powered system continuously maintains its localization signal without external power or mechanical stabilization, ensuring position stability throughout the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If two-dimensional imaging is used to guide surgery, then the lesion can be located, but three-dimensional structure and margin determination are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical signal intensity and pattern variations (analogous to color changes) to encode three-dimensional spatial information. The optical marker's signal characteristics provide depth and distance data, enabling three-dimensional localization and margin assessment from two-dimensional detection planes.
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 solution provides precise three-dimensional localization of lesions, reducing the risk of incomplete removal or unnecessary tissue damage, and enhances the accuracy of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter for transforming energy pulses striking the marker into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a switch coupled to the energy converter such that the energy pulses cause the switch to open and close
Implementation Method 3
a pair of elongate wires coupled to the switch to provide an antenna, the switch configured to open and close to modulate signals reflected by the antenna back to a source of the signals
Data Source
AI summary
Markers, microwave probes, and related systems and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The marker includes an energy converter e.g., one or more photodiodes, for transforming energy pulses striking the marker into electrical energy, a switch, e.g., FET, coupled to the photodiodes such that light from a probe cause the switch to open and close. A pair of antenna wires are coupled to the switch to provide an antenna, the switch configured to open and close when light strikes the photodiodes to modulate signals from the probe reflected by the antenna back to the probe to identify the location of the marker. The marker also includes an electro static discharge (ESD) protection device coupled to the switch to provide protection against an electrostatic discharge event.