Luminescent Marks for Non-Contact Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Monitoring temperature changes during internal anatomical procedures is challenging due to the limitations of existing technologies, which can lead to issues such as necrosis or other complications from temperature extremes.

Innovation Solution

The use of luminescent marks on medical probes and endoscopes that emit light in response to temperature changes, allowing for non-contact temperature monitoring through luminescence detection and analysis, utilizing parameters like light intensity, emission spectra, and decay times to determine temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional temperature monitoring methods are used during internal anatomical procedures, then temperature can be measured, but the monitoring is invasive and complex requiring additional wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring accuracyVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical temperature sensing systems with an optical system. Luminescent marks are applied to the medical probe, and their luminescence characteristics (intensity, decay time, spectra) are monitored optically to determine temperature. This eliminates the need for additional wiring while providing accurate temperature monitoring during internal anatomical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces luminescent marks as an intermediary between the temperature field and the detection system. These marks convert temperature information into optical signals that can be detected and analyzed, providing a non-contact method for temperature monitoring that avoids direct electrical contact with the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional temperature monitoring is used, then temperature data can be obtained, but the method is invasive and may cause additional tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive electrical temperature sensors with non-contact optical monitoring using luminescent marks. This eliminates the need to insert additional probes or wires into the tissue, thereby avoiding mechanical trauma and reducing the risk of additional tissue damage while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The luminescent marks are applied directly to the medical probe itself, which already needs to be inserted into the patient. This allows the probe to serve dual functions: delivering treatment and monitoring temperature, without requiring separate monitoring devices that would add additional invasiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If luminescent marks are added to the probe, then non-contact temperature monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring easeVSAvoidprobe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in luminescence parameters (intensity, decay time, spectra) of the marks in response to temperature changes. By monitoring these optical parameters rather than requiring complex structural modifications, the system achieves ease of operation while minimizing additional device complexity.

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 accurate and non-invasive temperature monitoring during procedures, protecting against temperature-related complications by providing real-time temperature feedback without the need for additional wiring, effectively safeguarding internal tissues.

Implementation Method 1

The internal anatomical site(s) being treated may be subject to temperature changes during treatment. Monitoring the temperature of those internal sites can be beneficial... by monitoring temperature-dependent luminescence therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent luminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20220175451A1Luminescence probe for in vivo temperature measurement and control

Publication Date: 2022.06.09 GYRUS ACMI INC

AI summary

Various examples disclosed relate to temperature monitoring of medical probes. The present disclosure includes a medical device including a medical probe and one or more luminescent marks. The medical probe can include a distal portion configured for at least partial insertion into a patient. The one or more luminescent marks can be located on the distal portion of the probe and have a luminescent characteristic correlative to temperature, when illuminated. The luminescent characteristic can provide an indication of the temperature at an internal site of the patient.