Microwave Tissue Detection System for Cancer Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting biological alterations in tissues, such as cancer, are unreliable and require invasive examinations, as they heavily depend on operator skill and are not accurate enough for definitive diagnosis without additional costly and invasive tests like NMR or colonoscopy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing microwave frequencies between 2.0 and 3.0 GHz with a transmitter, receiver, and data processing unit, featuring directional or omni-directional antennas, and a pre-processing module to analyze backscattered waves for tissue anomalies, providing accurate localization and detection of cancer without the need for invasive imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If operator-dependent manual sweeping methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic antenna rotation and computer-controlled signal processing that enables the apparatus to perform examinations independently without operator intervention. The microprocessor automatically controls the rotating antenna mechanism, processes backscattered signals, and generates diagnostic results, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating operator-dependent variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sweeping operations with an automated electromechanical system. A rotating antenna mechanism controlled by a microprocessor substitutes for manual probe movement, while computer-based signal processing replaces operator interpretation of results. This automation ensures consistent, reproducible measurements independent of operator skill.
2Measurement precision
If invasive imaging examinations like NMR or colonoscopy are used, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but patient harm and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses non-ionizing microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz that is safe for biological tissues, replacing expensive and potentially harmful invasive procedures. The microwave energy penetrates tissues without causing ionization damage, providing a safe, repeatable screening method that eliminates the risks associated with invasive imaging while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microwave backscattered signal analysis as an intermediary non-invasive screening method between physical examination and invasive imaging. This intermediate step provides sufficient diagnostic information for most cases, reducing the need to proceed to harmful invasive procedures while maintaining measurement precision through automated signal processing.
3Reliability
If multiple receiving antennas are used to maintain constant distance, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static multiple-antenna configurations with a dynamic single-antenna rotation mechanism. The antenna rotates to sequentially contact different body regions, and the microprocessor dynamically adjusts measurements based on rotation position and tissue characteristics. This dynamic approach achieves reliable measurements with simpler hardware compared to maintaining constant distance with multiple antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating antenna serves multiple functions: it acts as both transmitting and receiving antenna, sequentially examines different body regions, and adapts to various tissue types through computer-controlled adjustment. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple dedicated receiving antennas, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement reliability across diverse examination scenarios.
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
The system achieves reliable and accurate detection and localization of cancer, reducing the need for invasive examinations by providing comparable diagnostic reliability to expensive imaging methods, with high sensitivity and specificity, and the ability to determine cancer location.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave transmitter... with an operating frequency comprised between 2.0 and 3.0 GHz
Implementation Method 2
a microwave receiver... analyze backscattered waves for tissue anomalies
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system for recognition of biological alteration in human tissues using electromagnetic waves in the microwave range, the device comprising: a transmitter device (100) comprising at least one transmitting antenna (101), a transmitter (102), and a power supply (103); a receiving device (200) comprising at least one receiving antenna (201), a receiver (202), a pre-processing module (204), and a power supply (203); a microprocessor (301; 104) and a display (302; 105); wherein the transmitter device (100) and the receiving device (200) are configured to operate at a frequency comprised between 2.0 GHz and 3.0 GHz.In a preferred embodiment, the operating frequency is comprised between 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz, and the device is suitable for the detection of a cancer in the human body, for example for the screening of prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer.The device according to the invention is capable of high sensitivity and accuracy of results and can detect not only the presence, but also the position of a cancer.