Multi-Functional Laser Fiber for Tissue Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for interstitial laser hyperthermia in treating solid tumors face challenges in accurately monitoring temperature distribution within the tissue, leading to unpredictable lesion size and potential overheating or insufficient heating, which can result in ineffective treatment or tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of implantable leads with impedance measuring electrode surfaces and temperature measuring means, connected to a base unit that controls the heating based on tissue electrical property changes, allowing for three-dimensional monitoring of tissue effects and real-time feedback to ensure the desired temperature is maintained and treatment is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed at various distances from the treatment point to monitor temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and treatment invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser fiber itself multi-functional by enabling it to both deliver laser energy for heating and measure temperature through impedance changes. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors, resolving the contradiction between improved temperature monitoring and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The laser fiber performs self-diagnosis by detecting temperature through impedance changes in the surrounding tissue. The system uses the fiber's own electrical properties as the sensing mechanism, eliminating the need for external sensing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
2Manufacturing precision
If feedback control systems are used to adjust laser output based on temperature sensors, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and treatment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser fiber serves dual purposes as both the heating element and the temperature sensing probe. By measuring impedance changes along the fiber, the system achieves feedback control without requiring separate sensor systems, thus improving temperature control precision while avoiding the complexity of multi-component feedback systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring impedance changes that correlate with temperature and adjusting laser power accordingly. This inherent feedback mechanism uses the fiber's electrical properties as the sensing input, achieving precise temperature control without complex external sensing and control systems
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are implanted to monitor three-dimensional temperature distribution, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but treatment invasiveness and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser fiber performs both therapeutic heating and diagnostic temperature monitoring functions. The fiber measures temperature at multiple points along its length by detecting impedance changes, achieving three-dimensional temperature mapping without requiring multiple implanted sensors, thus reducing treatment invasiveness while maintaining monitoring accuracy
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 approach enables precise control of tissue heating, ensuring effective treatment by detecting when the desired tissue effect is achieved and preventing overheating or underheating, thus improving the consistency and safety of the treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
Interstitial laser hyperthermia is a thermal technique, which destroys tumours by absorption of light
Implementation Method 2
feedback control systems that monitor temperature within tissue by means of temperature sensors
Implementation Method 3
the laser output is adjusted to return the monitored temperature to the desired temperature level when the monitored temperature rises above a set temperature or falls beyond a set temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining a thermal property of tissue includes a base unit with one or more energy source and at least two, preferably detachable, leads. The distal end of each lead, which is introduced into the tissue to be treated, has at least two longitudinally spaced temperature measuring elements to measure surrounding tissue temperature and at least two longitudinally spaced electrode surfaces for applying current to the tissue. Each distal end is also provided with an element which uses energy emitted by the sources of energy to heat up the surrounding tissue. The base unit has computing elements, current generating elements for generating an alternating current, and conductance determining elements for determining the tissue conductance between pairs of electrode surfaces based on the alternating current applied by the current generating elements to the tissue. Methods for using the device and leads for use in the device are also described.