Implanted Marker Imaging Probe for 3D Surgical Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lesion localization during surgical procedures, such as lumpectomies, are limited by the two-dimensional nature of imaging techniques, leading to inaccurate placement and removal of markers like wires or seeds, which can migrate or lack precision, resulting in incomplete lesion removal or unnecessary tissue removal.
Innovation Solution
A system using implanted markers and a probe with electromagnetic signals and light pulses to generate a three-dimensional model of the body region, allowing precise localization by processing modulated reflected signals to determine marker locations and generate a reference frame for surgical guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional imaging techniques are used for lesion localization, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the precision and accuracy of marker placement and lesion removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional imaging by incorporating depth information through electromagnetic signal-based localization. The system uses multiple antennas to receive signals from implanted markers and calculates their three-dimensional positions, enabling precise spatial localization and complete lesion removal while maintaining surgical precision.
2Reliability
If traditional imaging methods are used, then the procedure is fast, but marker migration occurs and precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback during the surgical procedure by continuously tracking the positions of implanted markers through electromagnetic signals. This allows the surgical team to monitor marker stability and adjust their approach accordingly, ensuring accurate lesion removal while maintaining marker position reliability throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary localization of markers and generation of three-dimensional models before the actual surgical removal. By pre-mapping the spatial relationships between markers and the target lesion, the surgical team can plan the optimal removal path and minimize the time needed during the procedure itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If imprecise localization methods are used, then the surgical process is simpler, but healthy tissue is removed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional imaging and localization to precisely define the spatial boundaries of the target lesion and its relationship with surrounding healthy tissue. By visualizing the lesion in three dimensions rather than two dimensions, the surgical team can accurately target only the affected area for removal, preserving healthy tissue and reducing unnecessary damage.
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 accurate, three-dimensional modeling of body regions for surgical procedures, ensuring complete lesion removal and minimizing healthy tissue removal by stabilizing marker positions and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
The probe may include one or more antennas for transmitting electromagnetic signals into a patient's body and receiving reflected signals from the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
a light source for delivering light pulses into a patient's body synchronized with the electromagnetic signals whereupon the markers modulate reflected signals from the respective markers
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localization of a region within a patient's body using markers implanted within the region. In an exemplary embodiment, a probe includes a distal end for placement against a surface of the region; one or more antennas for transmitting electromagnetic signals into and receiving reflected signals from the region; a light source for delivering light pulses into the region whereupon the markers modulate reflected signals. A processor of the probe processes the modulated reflected signals at one or more of the surface locations to determine marker locations within the region to obtain a reference frame, determine distance values corresponding to distances from the respective markers to the distal end at each of the surface locations, and determine coordinates of the surface locations relative to the reference frame to generate a three dimensional model of the body region.