Multi-Conduit Tissue Probe for Real-Time Molecular Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intra-operative tissue evaluation in cancer surgeries are unreliable due to freezing artifacts and subjective interpretation, and lack effective molecular assessment techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for obtaining mass spectrometry profiles by applying a solvent to tissue sites using a probe, collecting the solvent, and subjecting it to mass spectrometry analysis, which includes a chamber, gas supply, and a probe with conduits for solvent and gas flow, allowing for minimally invasive and accurate tissue assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If frozen section analysis is used for intra-operative tissue evaluation, then tissue samples can be assessed during surgery, but freezing artifacts occur that interfere with tissue structure and cell morphology, making the analysis unreliable and subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and analyzes only the molecular components (metabolites, proteins, lipids) from tissue samples using mass spectrometry, separating the diagnostic information from the physical tissue structure that suffers from freezing artifacts. This allows reliable molecular assessment without being affected by morphological degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/optical system of frozen section analysis (freezing, sectioning, staining, light microscopy) with a molecular detection system using mass spectrometry. This substitution eliminates the freezing step that causes artifacts while providing objective molecular profiles for tissue characterization
2Measurement precision
If molecular approaches are coupled with minimally invasive surgical techniques for tissue assessment, then highly accurate and low trauma diagnosis can be achieved, but adequate devices or methodologies have not been developed to provide effective molecular assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed as a multi-functional surgical instrument that can perform both mechanical tissue manipulation (biopsy, resection) and molecular sampling (solvent application, extraction) through integrated conduits. This universality allows a single device to accomplish multiple tasks without requiring separate complex molecular assessment equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests multiple functional conduits (solvent delivery, gas flow, sample collection) within a single probe structure that can be inserted through minimally invasive access. The nested design consolidates multiple functions into one compact device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate molecular assessment capabilities
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a probe with multiple conduits is used for solvent application and sample collection, then minimally invasive molecular assessment can be performed, but the device structure becomes complex with multiple fluid communication pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges solvent delivery, gas flow, and sample collection functions into a single integrated probe with interconnected conduits. This combining of functions into one device reduces the number of separate instruments needed for minimally invasive molecular assessment, making the overall system less complex despite the multi-conduit design
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
Enables accurate, real-time molecular assessment of tissue samples with minimal trauma, differentiating diseased from normal tissues without causing physical damage, and providing diagnostic information in surgical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply (e.g., a pressurized gas supply)... the second (gas) conduit is in fluid communication with a gas supply
Data Source
AI summary
Method and devices are provided for assessing tissue samples from a plurality of tissue sites in a subject using molecular analysis. In certain aspects, devices of the embodiments allow for minimally invasive collection of liquid tissue samples and delivery of the samples for mass spectrometry analysis.