Laser Tissue Sectioning With Optical Depth Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser-based surgical instruments lack haptic feedback, leading to difficulties in controlling the depth of tissue sectioning, and existing safety mechanisms are inadequate, especially for complex or irregular tissue shapes, resulting in unsatisfactory surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A biological tissue sectioning device using a laser emitter, optical module, and central processing unit to define a pre-established sectioning depth and reference surfaces, ensuring safe sectioning by preventing the laser from activating in prohibited regions through a numerical model that integrates optical topological techniques and computational processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser-based devices are used for tissue sectioning, then precision and absence of contact are improved, but control over sectioning depth is worsened due to lack of haptic feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesectioning precisionVSAvoiddepth control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using an optical module to continuously measure the tissue surface during laser sectioning. The measured surface data is fed back to the control unit, which adjusts the laser activation decisions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for the lack of haptic feedback, enabling precise depth control without mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical haptic feedback system with an optical measurement and computational control system. Instead of relying on tactile sensation from mechanical contact, the system uses optical modules to detect tissue surface topology and a control unit to process this information, substituting mechanical interaction with optical-electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If iterative verification process is used to estimate laser penetration depth, then sectioning safety is improved, but total duration of sectioning procedure is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesectioning safetyVSAvoidsectioning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of the tissue surface topology before sectioning begins. The control unit uses this pre-acquired surface information to pre-calculate safe laser activation zones and prohibited regions. This preliminary action eliminates the need for iterative verification during the actual sectioning process, maintaining safety while significantly reducing procedure time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If sectioning is performed at a single point iteratively, then measurement accuracy is improved, but difficulty of measuring irregular surfaces is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface measurement accuracyVSAvoidirregular surface measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from point-by-point measurement to comprehensive surface topology measurement using optical modules that capture the entire tissue surface in three dimensions. This dimensional approach allows the system to handle irregular and angular shapes effectively, as the optical measurement captures the complete surface geometry simultaneously rather than requiring sequential point measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Manufacturing precision

If laser propagation without contact is used, then precision and tissue recovery are improved, but safety control is worsened due to unlimited actuation direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesectioning precisionVSAvoidsectioning safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the laser source and the tissue. The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives real-time surface measurement data from optical modules, processes this information, and makes intelligent decisions about laser activation. This intermediary layer prevents direct uncontrolled laser-tissue interaction, ensuring safety while maintaining the benefits of contactless precision sectioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures safe and efficient tissue sectioning without compromising procedure speed, minimizing the risk of damaging non-target tissues, and reducing operation time by continuously measuring and adjusting to tissue surfaces, even in the presence of operational disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

an optical module, adapted for determining the surface of a tissue of the region in the operating mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a laser emitter adapted for sectioning biological tissue in a region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4335398B1Device for safely cutting biological tissues
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 DENEB MEDICAL SL
  • EP4335398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4335398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4335398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for sectioning biological tissues during a surgical intervention and the use of said device. In particular, the sectioning is safely performed by means of a laser without penalizing the speed of actuation thereof. The device combines information about the laser, information about the tissue, and information about the user in order to apply safety measures.