Multimodality Surgical Probe for Autofluorescence Tissue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical detection systems require multiple handheld devices for various imaging and signal modalities, including radioactive tracers, RFID markers, and fluorescence imaging, which occupy space and increase operational complexity in the operating room.
Innovation Solution
A handheld multimodality probe system integrating autofluorescence detection, allowing real-time visualization of tissue health and pathological changes without contrast agents, combined with other modalities like gamma, white light, and ultrasound, enabling simultaneous operation and display of multiple imaging modalities on a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handheld devices are used for various imaging modalities (radioactive tracers, RFID markers, fluorescence imaging), then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection modalities (radioactive tracer detection, RFID detection, fluorescence imaging, and autofluorescence detection) into a single handheld probe device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability through integrated sensors and processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld probe is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously or sequentially. It includes detectors for radioactive tracers (Tc-99m, I-125), RFID markers, exogenous fluorescence, and endogenous autofluorescence, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized tools in the operating room.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handheld devices are used for various imaging modalities, then detection capability is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple detection functions into one handheld probe, the patent reduces the total number of devices that need to be stored and accessed in the operating room. This consolidation decreases the space required for device storage and reduces the visual clutter of multiple devices on surgical tables and in instrument carts.
3Measurement precision
If exogenous fluorescence contrast agents are used, then tissue differentiation is improved, but additional procedures and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the tissue itself to serve as the contrast agent by detecting endogenous autofluorescence signals from natural fluorophores (NADH, FAD, melanin, lipofuscin). This self-service approach eliminates the need for external contrast agents, avoiding additional injection procedures, reducing costs, and minimizing patient exposure to foreign substances while maintaining the ability to differentiate tissue types.
4Measurement precision
If autofluorescence detection is added to the multimodality probe, then tissue characterization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autofluorescence detection system is merged with the existing multimodality probe architecture, sharing common components such as the handheld housing, control electronics, and display interface. The excitation light source and detector are integrated into the same probe body, allowing autofluorescence measurement to be added without requiring a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed to handle multiple detection modalities through a unified processing system that can switch between or combine signals from radioactive tracer detectors, RFID readers, fluorescence detectors, and autofluorescence detectors. This universal architecture allows autofluorescence capability to be added while maintaining compatibility with existing functional components.
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
Enhances surgical precision by reducing the need for multiple devices, saving space and time in the operating room, and providing flexible, efficient intraoperative guidance for lesion localization and tissue characterization.
Implementation Method 1
Autofluorescence imaging allows differentiation of normal and pathological tissue based on naturally occurring fluorophores from chemical compounds such as Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADH), Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD), melanin, and lipofuscin. When a surgeon excites these natural autofluorescent compounds using light at certain wavelengths (excitation light), the autoflurescent detectors of this invention measure the intensity and timing of the autofluorescent light.
Implementation Method 2
the autoflurescent detectors of this invention measure the intensity and timing of the autofluorescent light. By tracking the position a 2-D image can be formed and displayed.
Implementation Method 3
An optical filter may be positioned between the excitation light source and the photodetector to transmit only certain wavelengths of light.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for detecting and displaying autofluorescence signals during a surgical procedure using a multimodality probe. The method comprises a control unit receiving a first signal from a handheld multimodality probe, the first signal indicating activation of an autofluorescence detection component of the probe in an operating room environment. The method also comprises the autofluorescence detection component illuminating tissue using an excitation light source in the probe. The method also comprises the control unit receiving autofluorescence emission data, the emission data corresponding to native fluorophores present in the tissue. The method also comprises the control unit processing the emission data to generate at least one of an intensity map and an image corresponding to strength of autofluorescence signal. The method also comprises the control unit displaying, on at least a display screen in the operating room, the autofluorescence data.