Anchoring Identification Device for Lung Mass Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and treating lung masses during minimally invasive surgeries are limited by the inability to visualize small nodules, leading to potential mistakes, tissue trauma, and complications, and existing fiducial markers face challenges with migration and pneumothorax risks due to lung tissue movement.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive identification or therapeutic device with an anchoring mechanism that can be placed within or adjacent to a lung mass, emitting energy for visualization and equipped with a complementary detector system for precise localization, using materials like BaSO4, copper, or gold, and biodegradable polymers to prevent migration and facilitate removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual identification methods are used during VATS, then the surgical procedure remains minimally invasive, but the ability to identify small lung nodules is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification device that is implanted into the lung nodule to serve as a mediator between the nodule and the detection system. This device contains materials with distinct electromagnetic or acoustic properties that enable indirect detection of the nodule's location, thereby improving identification accuracy without requiring direct visual observation during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification device is implanted into the lung nodule before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary action allows the nodule to be pre-marked and localized, enabling accurate identification during VATS without requiring complex real-time detection equipment or procedures.
2Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are implanted transthoracically to guide radiation treatment, then tumor localization is improved, but the risk of pneumothorax and marker migration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification device is implanted into the lung nodule through a controlled preliminary procedure that allows for proper positioning and stabilization before radiation treatment. This approach reduces the risk of pneumothorax compared to transthoracic marker placement, as the implantation can be performed with better control over lung tissue manipulation and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification device is designed to be temporary and disposable, serving its purpose for tumor localization during radiation treatment planning and then being removed or allowed to dissolve. This reduces the long-term risks associated with permanent markers, including migration and pneumothorax complications.
3Reliability
If larger portions of tissue are removed to ensure complete lesion removal, then the risk of missing cancerous tissue is reduced, but tissue trauma and patient suffering increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification device is implanted into the lung nodule before surgery to precisely mark the location and boundaries of the lesion. During VATS, surgeons can use this pre-established marker to accurately locate and remove only the necessary tissue containing the nodule, avoiding both under-resection and unnecessary over-resection.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification device provides real-time or pre-established feedback about the precise location and extent of the lesion during surgery. This feedback mechanism allows surgeons to make informed decisions about the boundaries of resection, ensuring complete removal of cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue.
4Measurement precision
If manual palpation or invasive marker placement is used to identify lung masses, then lesion localization is improved, but the invasiveness and risk of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between non-invasive imaging and direct surgical intervention. The device can be implanted through minimally invasive techniques and provides reliable localization signals that can be detected during surgery without requiring extensive manual palpation or multiple invasive marker placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification device is designed to serve multiple functions: it localizes the lesion for surgical guidance, provides feedback during the procedure, and can potentially serve as a reference for postoperative imaging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate invasive procedures to achieve the same localization goals.
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 minimally invasive identification and treatment of lung masses with reduced tissue trauma and complications, ensuring precise delivery of therapy to the target while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
emitting energy for visualization
Implementation Method 2
emitting energy for visualization
Implementation Method 3
complementary detector system for precise localization
Implementation Method 4
using materials like BaSO4, copper, or gold
Data Source
AI summary
A marker device that aids in the subsequent identification of a particular area is equipped with an anchoring device that prevents migration once placed in the tissue of that particular area. The device may include a chemical agent or drug that adds a therapeutic function to the marker device.