Micro Optical Element Array Imaging for Rapid Tissue Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for tumor resection lack efficient intraoperative assessment methods, leading to incomplete resections and subsequent re-operations, which increase patient mortality and treatment costs, due to the limitations of visual inspection and low-resolution imaging modalities like X-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system using an array of micro optical elements that scans fresh tissue samples to provide high-quality, intraoperative assessments by focusing an illumination beam with micro lenses and detecting back-emitted light, allowing for rapid imaging of large tissue surfaces without fixation or processing, and associating image data with orientation and location data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection and palpation are used for intraoperative assessment, then the assessment can be performed quickly, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual inspection and palpation with an optical imaging system using light to capture and analyze tissue images intraoperatively, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing assessment time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the tissue sample using an imaging system with light source and detector, allowing precise assessment of resection margins without requiring time-consuming histopathological processing
2Measurement precision
If X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging are used for supplementary assessment, then the reliability is improved, but the measurement precision remains low due to approximate assessments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes low-resolution imaging modalities (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) with high-resolution optical imaging that provides both superior measurement precision and reliability for intraoperative margin assessment
3Measurement precision
If frozen section analysis is performed for pathologic margin assessment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the operation time is prolonged by at least 30 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optical imaging and assessment during the surgery itself, before the surgery concludes, eliminating the need for postoperative frozen section analysis and reducing total operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming frozen section histopathological processing system with a rapid optical imaging system that provides equivalent or superior diagnostic information in real-time
4Area of stationary object
If large tissue samples (e.g., 1000 cm³) are imaged using conventional methods, then the complete resection can be assessed, but the imaging time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large tissue sample into multiple smaller fields of view that are imaged sequentially by moving the imager relative to the tissue, allowing complete coverage of large surfaces (e.g., 1000 cm³) to be achieved rapidly without overwhelming the imaging system
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 rapid, high-quality intraoperative imaging of resected tissue, comparable to traditional histopathological assessments, reducing operation time and costs, and facilitating in-operating-theater analysis of large tissue samples.
Implementation Method 1
an optical chip comprising an array of micro optical elements moves relative to an imaging window and a detector in order to scan over a sample to produce an image. A photon source provides an illumination beam that is directed by optics to an optical chip in order to focus light using an array of micro optical elements
Implementation Method 2
each micro optical element of the array of micro optical elements: (i) focuses a portion of the collimated illumination beam onto a tight focus, and (ii) directs back-emitted light from the sample through the collimating lens and towards the beam splitter
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for imaging of samples, for example, using an array of micro optical elements and methods of their use. In some embodiments, an optical chip including an array of micro optical elements moves relative to an imaging window and a detector in order to scan over a sample to produce an image. A focal plane can reside within a sample or on its surface during imaging. In some embodiments, detecting optics are used to detect back-emitted light collected by an array of micro optical elements that is generated by an illumination beam impinging on a sample. In some embodiments, an imaging system has a large field of view and a large optical chip such that an entire surface of a sample can be imaged quickly. In some embodiments, a sample is accessible by a user during imaging due to the sample being exposed.