Microwave Probe Localization for Stable 3D Lesion Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for localizing lesions during surgical procedures, such as lumpectomies, are inadequate due to the potential movement of wires or seeds used for localization, leading to inaccurate lesion identification and excessive tissue removal or healthy tissue loss.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electromagnetic signals to detect markers or targets within the body, including probes that transmit and receive signals to determine the spatial relationship between the probe and targets, providing precise localization and guidance for surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire is used for localization, then the lesion location can be identified, but the wire may move between placement and surgery causing inaccurate localization
Solution Approach 1:
A stable anchor is introduced as an intermediary element that the wire tip is coupled to. The anchor is placed in a stable position (such as within a bone or cartilage structure) while the wire extends through the tissue to the lesion. This intermediary anchor prevents wire migration while maintaining accurate lesion localization, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is placed in advance during the localization procedure in a predetermined stable position before the wire is fully deployed. This preliminary placement of the anchor ensures that the reference point is fixed before any movement can occur during the subsequent surgery, thereby maintaining both accuracy and stability.
2Reliability
If a radioactive seed is used for localization, then the seed provides a stable marker, but the seed may migrate between placement and surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The wire acts as an intermediary carrier that connects the stable anchor to the lesion site. The seed is coupled to the wire tip, which is itself coupled to the anchor. This multi-point intermediary system ensures the seed remains stable relative to the lesion while preventing migration, addressing both reliability and precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the stabilization function of the anchor with the localization function of the seed by coupling them through the wire. This combined system provides both the stability of the anchor and the precision of the seed-based localization, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If two-dimensional imaging is used for guidance, then the imaging process is simple, but it provides limited guidance for three-dimensional lesion localization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a third dimension by placing a physical marker (seed or wire tip) at the lesion site, which can be detected from multiple angles and depths. This three-dimensional marker system provides spatial information that transcends the limitations of two-dimensional imaging, enabling precise localization while maintaining imaging simplicity through the use of detectable physical markers rather than complex imaging procedures.
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
Enhances the accuracy of lesion localization by stabilizing markers and providing three-dimensional guidance, reducing the risk of incomplete lesion removal and unnecessary tissue excision.
Implementation Method 1
A probe for transmitting electromagnetic signals into a body to detect a marker or target and receiving signals reflected from the marker or target
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The system includes a microwave antenna probe for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to detect one or more markers that are implanted within or around the target tissue region. During use, the marker(s) are implanted into a target tissue region, and the microwave antenna probe is placed against the patient's skin to transmit a signal to the marker(s) and to receive the reflected signal from the marker(s) in order to determine the location of the marker(s). A tissue specimen, including the lesion and the marker(s), is then removed from the target tissue region based at least in part on the location information from the microwave antenna probe.