Modular Beta-Particle Detector for Minimally Invasive RGS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mini-invasive surgery probes are unable to effectively detect beta radiation due to their opacity to beta particles, while maintaining the necessary characteristics for miniaturization, biocompatibility, and mechanical resistance, which are crucial for robotic surgery applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular, compact detector structure is developed with a sequentially assembled design, incorporating an ambient light absorber, scintillator, light detector, and housing, optimized for beta-particle detection, ensuring high efficiency and miniaturization, while meeting surgical constraints such as sterilizability and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional probes use high-density materials (tungsten, titanium) for gamma detection optimization, then gamma detection performance and resolution are improved, but the device becomes completely opaque to beta radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into functionally separate segments: a front detection section with low-density materials for beta detection, and a rear section with high-density materials for gamma detection. This segmentation allows each segment to optimize its specific detection function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials with specific properties are applied to different regions of the probe. The front detection area uses low-density materials (plastic, aluminum) that are transparent to beta particles, while the rear section uses high-density materials (tungsten, titanium) for gamma detection. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between beta transparency and gamma detection performance.
2Length of moving object
If the probe transverse dimension is reduced to less than 11-12 mm for mini-invasive surgery access, then the device can be inserted through standard trocar access points, but detection efficiency and signal resolution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a nested structure where the light detector is positioned within or adjacent to the scintillator material. This nesting allows maximum detection efficiency within a compact footprint, enabling the probe to maintain small dimensions while preserving detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe uses thin-film scintillator layers and compact light detector structures that maintain detection efficiency while minimizing the overall probe diameter. This allows the probe to fit through standard trocar access points without sacrificing detection performance.
3Reliability
If the probe uses external surgical steel covering for sterilizability, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength, then these requirements are fulfilled, but the probe becomes completely opaque to beta radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective covering is segmented into a front window area and a rear body. The front window uses thin, beta-transparent materials that allow beta particles to pass through while still providing protection and maintaining sterility. The rear body uses surgical steel for structural integrity and biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different parts of the covering. The front detection window uses materials with low atomic number and thin thickness that are transparent to beta radiation, while the rear structural portions use surgical steel for strength and biocompatibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and beta transparency.
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 detector achieves clinically relevant beta-radiation detection efficiency, enabling effective tumor identification in mini-invasive surgeries by reducing tissue penetration and minimizing interference from healthy organs, thus extending the applicability of Radio-Guided Surgery to previously inaccessible anatomical regions.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an ambient light absorber, scintillator, light detector, and housing, optimized for beta-particle detection
Implementation Method 2
light detector, and housing, optimized for beta-particle detection
Implementation Method 3
incorporating an ambient light absorber, scintillator, light detector, and housing, optimized for beta-particle detection
Data Source
AI summary
Beta-particle detector device adapted for applications of mini-invasive radio-guided surgery, the device being provided with an outer shell, the outer shell having a front element, through which incident radiation enters when in use, and a rear element, through which electric wires come out, which are adapted to transport an electric signal when in use. The device has a sequentially assembled modular structure and includes the following components, adapted to be inserted, when assembled, in the outer shell: an ambient light absorber; a scintillator, positioned downstream of the absorber; a first housing for the scintillator; a light detector positioned downstream of said scintillator; a second housing for the light detector; and a cable holder positioned downstream of the second housing along the direction of the light, and adapted to contain said electric wires and let them exit the device.