Multimodal Tissue Detection via Raman and Fluorescence Spectroscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting skin cancer are invasive, costly, and lack accuracy, with existing non-invasive techniques failing to provide reliable diagnostic information without multiple biopsies, and existing spectroscopic methods have not been widely adopted for tissue screening.

Innovation Solution

Characterizing tissues using Raman and background fluorescence spectra, obtained in near-infrared wavelengths, through methods involving Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and applying these features to neural networks for classification, allowing for the determination of melanin content and differentiation between normal and abnormal tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual inspection by physicians is used to detect skin cancer, then the screening process is simple and non-invasive, but the diagnostic accuracy is limited to 75% at best

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening simplicityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy as intermediary diagnostic tools between visual inspection and histological examination. These spectroscopic methods serve as mediators that provide molecular-level information about tissue composition, enabling more accurate non-invasive diagnosis while maintaining operational simplicity compared to biopsy procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive biopsy system with optical spectroscopic systems. By using light-based Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, the system achieves definitive diagnostic capability without mechanical tissue removal, thereby maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If excisional biopsy is performed for definitive diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes invasive and impractical for screening high-risk patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidscreening practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple biopsy procedures are performed for tumors with poorly defined margins, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor margin detection accuracyVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies spectroscopic analysis to obtain comprehensive molecular information from a single measurement location, rather than performing multiple sequential biopsies. By capturing the full spectral fingerprint of tissue components, the system achieves accurate margin detection in one action rather than requiring repeated sampling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If Raman spectroscopy is used to obtain molecular fingerprint information, then measurement precision is improved, but the signal intensity is relatively faint requiring long acquisition times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolecular identification accuracyVSAvoidspectral acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy into a unified diagnostic system. By merging these two spectroscopic modalities, the system simultaneously captures molecular fingerprint information (from Raman) and molecular composition information (from fluorescence), achieving high measurement precision while reducing total acquisition time through parallel measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous spectral acquisition and processing, where Raman and fluorescence spectra are collected simultaneously and processed in real-time. This continuous action eliminates idle time between measurements and enables rapid diagnostic decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8326404B2Multimodal detection of tissue abnormalities based on raman and background fluorescence spectroscopy

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 BRITISH COLUMBIA CANCER AGENCY BRANCH

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for classifying tissue use features of Raman spectra and background fluorescent spectra. The spectra may be acquired in the near-infrared wavelengths. Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis of reference spectra may be used to obtain a classification function that accepts features of the Raman and background fluorescence spectra for test tissue and yields an indication as to the likelihood that the test tissue is abnormal. The methods and apparatus may be applied to screening for skin cancers or other diseases.