Handheld Multi-Wavelength Probe for Noninvasive Breast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast cancer detection methods, such as X-ray mammography and NIR optical imaging, are invasive, costly, and have limitations in sensitivity and safety, while fiber-optic based probes are complex and large in size.
Innovation Solution
A handheld probe using multi-wavelength LEDs and a linear CCD to create cross-sectional images of breast tissue, employing diffuse optical spectroscopy to measure optical properties and concentration of chromophores without fiber optics, providing functional and compositional imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiber-optic based probes are used for NIR optical imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber-optic component from the probe design, extracting only the essential function of light delivery and detection. The simplified probe uses direct LED-to-tissue coupling and a small photodetector array without complex fiber-optic bundles, maintaining measurement capability while dramatically reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LED arrays that directly emit light into the tissue, copying the light delivery function of fiber-optic sources but with simpler, more compact components. The photodetector array similarly copies the detection function with smaller, integrated sensors rather than fiber-optic based detectors
2Measurement precision
If X-ray mammography is used for breast cancer screening, then detection capability is improved, but harmful radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful ionizing radiation into beneficial non-ionizing near-infrared light. By using NIR wavelengths that are safe for biological tissue, the system achieves cancer detection through optical absorption measurements by chromophores, eliminating radiation harm while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of electromagnetic radiation from ionizing X-rays to non-ionizing near-infrared light. This parameter change shifts the interaction mechanism from photoelectric absorption to optical absorption by chromophores, enabling safe, repeated screening without cumulative radiation damage
3Device complexity
If multi-wavelength LEDs are used instead of laser sources, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but illumination intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED wavelength sources into a single integrated probe head, with each LED targeting specific chromophore absorption bands. The photodetector array simultaneously detects reflected light from all wavelengths, combining multiple measurement channels into one unified system that maintains sufficient intensity through parallel detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LEDs that emit at wavelengths optimized for detecting different tissue chromophores (oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, water, fat), making the light source multi-functional. Each LED wavelength serves multiple detection purposes, and the system can selectively activate different wavelengths based on diagnostic needs, reducing overall system complexity
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 probe miniaturizes breast imaging while maintaining accuracy and reliability, enabling non-invasive, cost-effective detection of breast cancer by creating high-resolution cross-sectional images of breast tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a handheld probe operable to emit electromagnetic radiation at one or more wavelengths corresponding to absorption associated with one or more human-tissue constituents
Implementation Method 2
employing diffuse optical spectroscopy to measure optical properties and concentration of chromophores
Implementation Method 3
NIR optical imaging approaches have been advanced for breast cancer diagnosis. This technique is known as a noninvasive and promising method for compositional and functional imaging of extremely scattering mediums, such as brain and breast
Data Source
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AI summary
A diffuse-optical-spectroscopy system and method for scanning human tissue is provided. The system includes: (a) a handheld probe operable to emit electromagnetic radiation at one or more wavelengths corresponding to absorption associated with one or more human-tissue constituents, respectively, the handheld probe being operable to detect received electromagnetic radiation at each of the wavelengths; and (b) a processor operable to produce, in response to the received electromagnetic radiation, one or more cross-sectional images of the human tissue respectively associated with the wavelengths. The handheld probe includes first and second sources for emitting the electromagnetic radiation and one or more sensors for detecting the received electromagnetic radiation. The sensors are aligned along a first axis and face in an outward direction. The first and second sources are aligned along the first axis, face in the outward direction, and are disposed on either side of the sensors.