Low coherence enhanced backscattering tomography for depth-selective tissue imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current histopathological examination methods are limited by their two-dimensional nature, qualitative or semi-quantitative results, requirement for tissue excision and processing, and high inter- and intra-personal variability, making it difficult to accurately image epithelial cells and nuclei at various depths for early cancer detection.
Innovation Solution
Low coherence enhanced backscattering tomography (LEBT) combines the high resolution of low coherence light with the sensitivity of light scattering to provide non-invasive, depth-selective 3D imaging of tissue microarchitecture and molecular conformation, enabling the detection of cancer and precancer without tissue excision or processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional histopathological examination is used, then tissue can be examined for cancer detection, but only two-dimensional information is obtained and tissue excision and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tissue excision and processing with optical imaging. Light scattering measurements are taken from intact tissue in situ, eliminating the need for physical tissue removal and laboratory processing while obtaining three-dimensional morphometric information about nuclear and cellular structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light scattering as an intermediary to obtain three-dimensional information from intact tissue. By measuring how light scatters through tissue at multiple depths and using tomographic reconstruction algorithms, the system derives 3D morphometric data without physically sectioning or processing the tissue
2Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography is used, then micrometer resolution cross-sectional imaging is achieved, but it is difficult to image structures such as nuclei
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct optical coherence tomography to light scattering spectroscopy. By measuring the wavelength-dependent scattering properties of tissue and applying inverse algorithms, the system extracts nuclear morphology parameters (size, shape, density) that are not directly visible in conventional OCT images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional cross-sectional imaging to three-dimensional morphometric characterization. By measuring light scattering at multiple angles and wavelengths, the system reconstructs 3D information about nuclear and cellular structures, providing volumetric data rather than planar slices
3Length of stationary object
If diffuse optical tomography is used, then deep tissue imaging is achieved, but spatial resolution deteriorates to 5-10 millimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by measuring light scattering properties at multiple discrete depths within the tissue. By analyzing how scattering characteristics change with depth and using depth-resolved algorithms, the system achieves millimeter-scale spatial resolution locally at each depth level while maintaining overall deep tissue penetration capability
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
LEBT achieves high-resolution, 3D imaging of nuclear morphology and cellular structure, improving the reproducibility and accuracy of cancer detection at the earliest stages of carcinogenesis, while avoiding the limitations of traditional histopathological methods.
Implementation Method 1
combines the high resolution advantage of low coherence light and the high sensitivity advantage of light scattering to tissue structure and composition
Implementation Method 2
detecting low coherence enhanced backscattered (LEBS) light characterized by a scattering angle θ
Data Source
AI summary
A low coherence enhanced backscattering tomography (LEBT) method is disclosed for depth-selective sensing of the superficial layer of tissue. 3D images of the microarchitecture and molecular conformation of the superficial layer of tissue are obtained. The method combines the high resolution advantage of low coherence light and the high sensitivity advantage of light scattering to tissue structure and composition. Intact tissue can be examined without the need of excision or processing. The method can be applied in in situ measurements. According to the method, 3D images of the nuclear morphology and cellular structure for the superficial layer of the tissue are generated; this is particularly useful in detecting cancer and precancer at the earliest stage of carcinogenesis.