Modular Optical Probe for Cervical Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cervical examination methods, such as the Pap test and colposcopy, face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and specificity, require skilled personnel, and are prone to errors due to subjective interpretations and patient movement during testing, leading to inaccurate biopsy locations and false negatives.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical probe system that uses different optical phenomena to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues, providing a map of abnormal tissue areas without the need for highly skilled personnel and offering real-time analysis, which includes a control module, changeable head module, light source, sensing device, and processor to analyze signals and generate images with overlapping resolutions for panoramic views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If Pap test is used for cervical screening, then large number of cells can be obtained for examination, but sensitivity and specificity cannot achieve high levels simultaneously due to sampling and analysis errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cytological examination (mechanical scraping and staining) with automated optical imaging and computer-aided diagnosis systems. The system captures images of cervical cells using optical microscopy and applies image processing algorithms to automatically identify abnormal cells, eliminating manual sampling errors and subjective analysis variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of cervical tissue samples through optical imaging. Instead of examining physical stained slides, the system captures high-resolution digital images of cervical cells and tissues, which can then be analyzed by computer algorithms. This digital copying enables repeated analysis without additional sampling and allows for more precise measurement of cellular features.
2Measurement precision
If colposcopic examination is performed to locate abnormal epithelium, then abnormal areas can be identified, but accurate identification of optimal biopsy sites is challenging and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated image analysis algorithms that perform the diagnostic function previously requiring trained colposcopists. The computer-aided diagnosis system automatically processes cervical images, identifies abnormal areas, and suggests optimal biopsy sites without requiring manual interpretation by trained personnel. The system serves itself by using algorithmic pattern recognition to detect pathological features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously refines its diagnostic accuracy by comparing algorithmic findings with ground truth data from biopsies and histological examinations. The system learns from previous cases and adjusts its detection parameters, providing progressively more accurate identification of abnormal areas and biopsy site recommendations.
3Reliability
If biopsy is taken to confirm clinical diagnosis, then histological confirmation can be obtained, but patient experiences discomfort and bleeding and results are provided within 3 weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic assessment using optical imaging and computer-aided analysis before biopsy is taken. The system pre-identifies suspicious areas and predicts likely diagnoses based on image features, allowing clinicians to target biopsies more precisely and reduce the number of procedures needed. This preliminary action reduces the overall diagnostic time by eliminating unnecessary exploratory biopsies.
4Ease of operation
If manual colposcopy procedure is used, then systematic evaluation of cervix can be performed, but the procedure is non-standardized and variable leading to subjective observations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms subjective colposcopic observations into objective quantitative parameters through digital imaging. The system measures specific image features such as color, texture, vascular patterns, and structural characteristics, converting subjective visual assessments into standardized numerical data. This parameterization enables consistent evaluation across different operators and eliminates variability in subjective interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cervical examination into standardized sequential steps: image acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, abnormality detection, and biopsy site recommendation. Each step is automated and follows predefined protocols, ensuring systematic evaluation while eliminating procedural variability. The segmentation of the diagnostic process into discrete algorithmic steps standardizes the entire examination workflow.
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 enhances diagnostic accuracy by providing a color map indicating the probability of abnormal tissue, reduces the need for skilled operators, and minimizes errors associated with patient movement, enabling more precise biopsy locations and faster diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensing device being positioned at a distance Ds from said at least one light source, said at least one sensing device is configured to generate at least one signal from at least a portion of light scattered from said illuminated tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging and examination of a cervix, comprising a control module connectable with a changeable head configured to image the cervix and collect a tissue biopsy, the head selected from a group consisting of a digital colposcope module, a transvaginal optical probe module and an endo-cervical endoscope module.The system may additionally comprise light source(s) to illuminate cervix tissue; sensing device(s) to generate signal(s) from light and/or to acquire image(s) of a portion of a cervix; and processor(s) in communication with the sensing device(s). The system is configured to: (i) analyze the signal(s); (ii) detect the size of the cervix; (iii) determine parameters defining properties of the cervix; (iv) determine and distinguish normal tissue from abnormal tissue within the cervix; (v) determine the location of area(s) of abnormal tissue in the cervix; and (vi) generate a panoramic view of the cervix.