Interstitial Optical Mapping for Precise Tumor Ablation Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumor ablation techniques, such as Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), face challenges in accurately defining tumor margins due to inadequate resolution in magnetic resonance imaging, leading to potential ablation of non-diseased tissue and insufficient ablation of diseased tissue, which can cause patient morbidities and tumor recurrence.
Innovation Solution
An interstitial optical tumor mapping system using an optical fiber probe with an emitter and imaging optical fiber to excite and detect fluorescent dye within the tumor, generating an optical map that is correlated with MR images to precisely define tumor margins and plan laser ablation, and confirm ablation completeness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic resonance imaging is used to define tumor margins, then non-invasive imaging is achieved, but the resolution is inadequate leading to imprecise tumor margin definition
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging task is segmented into two complementary approaches: MR imaging provides non-invasive anatomical context while optical imaging provides high-resolution tumor margin definition. The system divides the imaging function between external MR imaging and interstitial optical imaging within the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluorescent dye acts as an intermediary that accumulates in tumor tissue and can be excited by optical fibers to produce fluorescent signals. This intermediary enables the optical imaging component to detect tumor margins with high precision by converting tumor presence into detectable optical signals.
2Productivity
If laser ablation is performed without precise tumor margin mapping, then treatment speed is maintained, but non-diseased tissue may be ablated causing patient morbidities
Solution Approach 1:
The optical mapping is performed preliminarily before laser ablation to define the tumor margins and create a treatment plan. The catheter with optical fibers is positioned and imaging is completed to identify the tumor boundary, establishing a roadmap for subsequent ablation that prevents damage to healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging provides feedback on tumor margin location that guides the laser ablation process. The fluorescent signal distribution informs where ablation should be applied and where it should stop, creating a feedback loop that ensures complete tumor treatment while protecting healthy tissue.
3Measurement precision
If higher resolution imaging is used to define tumor margins, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity and cost of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges MR imaging and optical imaging into a unified approach. MR imaging provides the anatomical framework while optical imaging provides the high-resolution tumor margin data. The integration of these two imaging modalities achieves high measurement precision without requiring a single complex imaging system to provide all functions.
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
Enhances the accuracy of tumor ablation by precisely identifying tumor margins and non-ablated regions, reducing patient morbidities and tumor recurrence through improved laser ablation planning and confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
excite and detect fluorescent dye within the tumor
Implementation Method 2
receiving reflected light from the excited fluorescent dye
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods to generate a plan for an interstitial laser ablation procedure are disclosed. The systems may be configured as an interstitial optical mapping system including a catheter, an emitter optical fiber, an imaging optical fiber, a light source, and a processing unit. The emitter optical fiber and the imaging optical fiber are used to interstitially image a fluorescent dye associated with a tumor, including the tumor margin, at discrete imaging positions along a length of the catheter. The processor calculates a location of the fluorescent dye at each discrete position and creates an optical map representing the tumor. The optical map is used to generate an interstitial laser ablation plan that includes laser fiber pull-back positions.