Modular Beta-Particle Detector for Minimally Invasive Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mini-invasive radio-guided surgery probes are unable to effectively detect beta radiation due to their high opacity to beta radiation, while also failing to meet the specific constraints of miniaturization, biocompatibility, and mechanical resilience required for robotic surgery applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular, compact beta-particle detector structure is developed, comprising a sequentially assembled design with components like ambient light absorbers, scintillators, and light detectors, optimized for mini-invasive surgery, ensuring high beta-radiation detection efficiency and compliance with surgical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-density materials (tungsten, titanium) are used to optimize gamma detection performance, then gamma detection efficiency and resolution are improved, but the device becomes completely opaque to beta radiation, preventing beta particle detection
Solution Approach 1:
The probe employs different materials with different radiation attenuation properties in different regions: high-density materials (tungsten, titanium) are used in specific areas for gamma detection optimization, while low-density materials (acrylic, plastic) are used in other areas to maintain beta radiation transparency. This local differentiation allows the probe to simultaneously detect both gamma and beta radiations effectively.
2Reliability
If the probe is made completely opaque to ensure light tightness and sterilizability, then medical requirements are fulfilled, but beta radiation detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The probe employs different materials with different radiation attenuation properties in different regions: high-density materials (tungsten, titanium) are used in specific areas for gamma detection optimization, while low-density materials (acrylic, plastic) are used in other areas to maintain beta radiation transparency. This local differentiation allows the probe to simultaneously detect both gamma and beta radiations effectively.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional probe designs are used for mini-invasive surgery, then manufacturing ease is maintained, but the device cannot meet miniaturization constraints and robotic surgery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple functional modules: a detector module containing scintillator crystals and photodetectors, a signal processing module, and a robotic interface module. Each module can be manufactured separately using appropriate techniques and then assembled, allowing for miniaturization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The modular design enables optimization of each component for its specific function while keeping the overall size suitable for robotic surgery.
4Volume of moving object
If the probe is miniaturized to fit through standard access points, then mini-invasive surgery capability is achieved, but mechanical strength and resilience under surgical stress are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The probe utilizes composite material structures combining materials with different mechanical properties: flexible polymers for the outer sheath to provide resilience and flexibility, reinforced with high-strength fibers or alloys in critical areas to maintain mechanical strength. The detector crystals and electronic components are mounted in a way that distributes mechanical stress, preventing failure under surgical conditions while maintaining miniaturized dimensions.
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, meets mini-invasive surgery requirements, and maintains structural integrity under mechanical stress, enabling precise tumor identification during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
several technologies are currently being used for beta-radiation detection (scintillation light, solid-state detectors, gas-type detectors, etc.)
Implementation Method 2
light detector (F1d)
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Beta-particle detector device adapted for applications of mini-invasive radio-guided surgery, the device being provided with an outer shell, said 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, and characterized in that it has a sequentially assembled modular structure and comprises the following components, adapted to be inserted, when assembled, in said outer shell (J1a, J1b, B1): - an ambient light absorber (F1a), adapted to prevent light with a wavelength in the visible spectrum or in the near-UV spectrum from entering said device, and adapted to let said beta particles enter the device; - a scintillator (F1b), positioned downstream of said absorber (F1a) along the direction of said incident radiation and said beta particles, and adapted to receive said beta particles from said absorber (F1a) and convert them into light, - a first housing (F1c) for said scintillator (F1b), adapted to fully contain said scintillator (F1b), - a light detector (F1d), positioned downstream of said scintillator (F1b) along the direction of said beta particles and said light, said light detector (F1d) being adapted to convert the light produced by said scintillator into an electric signal, said light detector (F1d) being provided with electric wires (F1g) exiting on the side opposite said first housing (F1c), - a second housing (F1e) for said light detector (F1d), adapted to fully contain said light detector (F1d); - a cable holder (F1f), positioned downstream of said second housing (F1e) along the direction of said light, and adapted to contain said electric wires (F1g) and let them exit said device.