Multi-Modal Imaging Markers for Lung Lesion Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in marking specific areas within a patient's body for subsequent imaging or intervention, particularly when different imaging modalities are required for initial marking and subsequent procedures, and when tissues like lung tissue are difficult to image due to their structure.
Innovation Solution
Development of a silica shell with a hollow void and a hydrophobic polymer coating, which includes an imaging material for producing a distinct imaging signal, and a composite gel marker comprising multiple silica shells embedded in a hydroscopic gel material, allowing for multi-mode imaging compatibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single imaging modality is used for marking, then the marking process is simple, but it cannot accommodate subsequent interventions requiring different imaging modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging marker is designed to be visible across multiple imaging modalities (ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI) by incorporating materials that respond to each modality. The marker shell uses acoustic impedance contrast for ultrasound visibility, radiopaque materials for fluoroscopy/CT, and paramagnetic materials for MRI, allowing a single marker to serve multiple imaging functions throughout the clinical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The marker employs a composite structure with a silica shell containing multiple functional materials. The shell incorporates acoustic impedance contrast agents for ultrasound, radiopaque compounds for X-ray-based imaging, and paramagnetic particles for MRI. This composite material approach enables multi-modal imaging capability within a single marker device
2Reliability
If conventional markers are used in lung tissue, then the marking is simple, but the porous structure of lung tissue interferes with imaging and marker stability
Solution Approach 1:
The marker uses a flexible silica shell that can adapt to the porous structure of lung tissue. The shell's flexibility allows it to conform to the tissue architecture while maintaining structural integrity, preventing marker disintegration in the challenging lung environment while remaining stable for long-term imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The marker incorporates materials with specific physical parameters optimized for lung tissue: acoustic impedance values that provide strong ultrasound contrast against air-filled alveoli, and a size range (micron-scale) that allows the marker to navigate and stabilize within the lung's porous structure without being cleared by pulmonary filtration mechanisms
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a marker is designed for long-term stability, then the marking persists over time, but the complexity of maintaining functional integrity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is divided into distinct functional layers: an outer silica shell providing structural stability and biocompatibility, an intermediate layer containing imaging materials, and an inner core for potential drug delivery or additional functionality. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall long-term stability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to make a single-material marker stable, the invention uses a multi-layer structure where each layer protects and stabilizes the others. The silica shell provides a stable outer boundary that protects the embedded imaging materials from degradation, while the layered structure allows controlled release or degradation of inner components over time
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 silica shell and composite gel marker enable stable and long-lasting marking of tissue lesions, allowing for effective imaging across multiple modalities, including ultrasound, and facilitating precise localization and removal of lesions, even in challenging tissues like lung tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging material configured for producing an imaging signal which is distinct from surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophobic polymer coating disposed on an outer surface of the second layer
Implementation Method 3
a hollow void disposed within an inner surface of the first inner layer
Implementation Method 4
a shell body having a first inner layer which is formed from silica and a second layer which is formed from silica
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging marker embodiments that may be used for marking sites within a patient's body are discussed. Some imaging marker embodiments are particularly useful for imaging with ultrasound imaging modalities and some imaging marker embodiments may be suitable for imaging with multiple modes of imaging modalities. Method embodiments for making and using imaging markers are also discussed herein.