Side-Viewing Laparoscopic Gamma Probe Hybrid Collimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gamma detection probes for laparoscopic surgery are unable to detect high energy gamma emissions, such as those from positron emitting radioisotopes, due to the need for heavy metal shielding, which is too thick to fit through standard 12-mm surgical ports.
Innovation Solution
A side-viewing laparoscopic gamma detection probe is designed with a hybrid collimation system that combines electronic collimation and metallic shielding, allowing it to detect gamma emissions from 15 KeV to 1.0 MeV while maintaining a probe diameter of 12 mm or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy metal shielding is used to detect high energy gamma emissions, then detection capability is improved, but probe diameter increases beyond 12 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical heavy metal shielding with an electronic collimation system using multiple semiconductor detectors arranged in a specific geometry. The system uses electronic processing of signals from multiple detectors to define the field of view and achieve depth detection, eliminating the need for thick physical shielding and reducing probe diameter to fit through 12-mm surgical ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple discrete semiconductor detector elements arranged in a specific geometric configuration. By segmenting the detection function across multiple smaller detector elements rather than using a single large shielded detector, the system achieves high energy gamma detection capability while maintaining a compact probe diameter suitable for laparoscopic use.
2Length of moving object
If electronic collimation is used to reduce probe diameter, then probe diameter is reduced to 12 mm, but detection precision for depth and field of view requires complex algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collimation structures with electronic collimation using software-based signal processing. The control unit applies mathematical algorithms to signals from multiple detectors to define the field of view and calculate depth, trading mechanical simplicity for computational processing while achieving the required probe diameter reduction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detector elements are used for electronic collimation, then field of view control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple segmented detector elements arranged in a specific geometric configuration to achieve electronic collimation and depth detection. The segmentation of the detection function across multiple elements enables field of view control and depth measurement through comparative signal analysis, improving adaptability while managing complexity through systematic arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the multi-detector system perform multiple functions: primary gamma detection, electronic collimation for field of view definition, and depth detection through comparative signal analysis. This multi-functionality justifies the increased detector configuration complexity by providing enhanced capabilities without requiring separate systems for each function.
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
The probe effectively detects gamma emissions across a wide energy range, excluding electron-positron pair production at energies above 1.022 MeV, and allows for depth detection and field of view adjustment, enabling precise localization of radioactive sources during minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
gamma detection probes...for the detection of radionuclides with low energy emissions (less than 300 KeV)...detect high energy gamma emission, such as the annihilation from residual positron emitting radioisotopes (511 KeV)
Implementation Method 2
1.52 mm tungsten shielding is sufficient to collimate the primary detector
Implementation Method 3
The depth of the radioactive source can be mathematically determined by the control unit...compares the count rate of two or more detectors and applies a mathematical calculation based on the Inverse Squared Law
Data Source
AI summary
The necessary detector configuration and mathematical algorithms to implement a lateral (side-viewing) field of view in a gamma detection probe designed for laparoscopic use is disclosed. For this application, the diameter of the probe is limited to 12 mm. A hybrid collimation design, using a combination of both electronic collimation and metallic shielding, allows the probe to detect gamma emissions form 15 KeV-1.0 MeV. In the lower energy range, the 1.52 mm tungsten shielding is sufficient to collimate the primary detector. Two additional detectors are used to provide electronic collimation and depth detection. The upper energy limit of 1.0 MeV is imposed to exclude the possibility of electron-positron pair production which occurs at energies of 1.022 MeV and greater.