Clinical Intravital Microscope for Real-Time Tumor Vasculature Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for observing and analyzing human tumors are limited by their inability to provide real-time, dynamic microscopic visualization, which is crucial for understanding tumor vasculature and drug delivery, as they rely on static snapshots and post-removal analysis that cannot measure dynamic interactions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A clinical intravital microscope system that includes a motorized cantilever arm, microscope, and camera, allowing for real-time observation and recording of blood flow, vessel characteristics, and tumor structure during surgical tumor removal, using fluorescent agents to visualize and measure vascular parameters in situ.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If static snapshots and post-removal analysis are used to observe tumors, then the analysis process is simple and equipment requirements are low, but dynamic interactions and real-time vascular characteristics cannot be measured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic interaction measurementVSAvoidmicroscope system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intravital microscope system as an intermediary device that enables real-time observation of tumor vasculature and dynamic interactions during surgery. The microscope acts as a mediator between the surgical field and the observer, allowing dynamic measurements without disrupting the surgical workflow or requiring complex post-processing of static images

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing dynamic vascular characteristics and tumor interactions during the surgical procedure itself, before the tumor is removed and fixed. This real-time data collection during surgery eliminates the need for subsequent complex analysis of static specimens and provides irreplaceable dynamic information about tumor vasculature and drug delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If tumors are biopsied or removed for pathologic evaluation with fixing and stains, then detailed structural analysis is possible, but dynamic features and real-time vascular characteristics are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic feature informationVSAvoidsurgical workflow complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The intravital microscope system enables continuous observation of tumor vasculature and dynamics throughout the surgical procedure. By maintaining continuous real-time imaging during surgery, the system preserves dynamic feature information that would otherwise be lost, while integrating seamlessly into the existing surgical workflow rather than disrupting it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/pathological analysis system (fixation, sectioning, staining) with an optical imaging system that captures dynamic features in real-time. This substitution eliminates information loss associated with fixed specimen analysis while maintaining ease of operation through integration with the surgical workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If preclinical animal models are used to study tumor vasculature, then dynamic interactions can be observed, but the results may not accurately reflect human tumor characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehuman tumor vascular assessmentVSAvoidtreatment outcome improvement rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies parameter changes by transitioning from preclinical animal models to direct human tumor observation. By imaging human tumors in situ during surgery, the system captures actual human vascular characteristics, vessel density, and drug delivery parameters that differ from animal models, thereby improving the accuracy of treatment predictions and outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the collection of dynamic data on human tumors, providing more accurate assessments of tumor vessel characteristics and drug distribution, potentially improving treatment outcomes and prognostic information by overcoming the limitations of static analysis and preclinical models.

Implementation Method 1

The microscope is used to view the patient's tumor and a fluorescent agent such as fluorescein is injected into the patient's vein to facilitate measurement of vascular parameters such as blood flow velocity and vessel diameter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12133713B2Clinical intravital microscope

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 HEALTH RESEARCH INC

AI summary

A clinical intravital microscope with a heavy base; a motorized, mechanized or manual cantilever arm; and a microscope and camera portion at the distal end of the cantilever arm is provided. A method for observing and/or recording conditions such as blood flow, vessel characteristics, such as vessel density, tumor structure, tumor size and dimensions, is provided such that a physician is permitted to observe such information and characteristics in real-time.