Needle Probe Resistive Heating for Real-Time Tissue Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring tissue properties in medical applications are complex and time-consuming, making it difficult for surgeons to obtain real-time information during operations, and there is a need for efficient methods to assess food freshness and product condition without opening containers.
Innovation Solution
A needle probe with a resistive element that applies heating and measures electrical responses to determine compositional information, using simple electronics for quick and accurate analysis of thermal properties, including detection of metallic and magnetic nanoparticles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex existing methodologies are used to measure tissue properties, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex existing methodologies by using a simple needle probe with a single electrode that measures electrical properties directly at the tissue site. This eliminates the need for complex laboratory equipment and sample processing systems while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct in-situ sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical analysis systems with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using complex physical dissection and chemical analysis methods, the invention uses electrical impedance and capacitance measurements to detect tissue properties, significantly simplifying the measurement apparatus.
2Loss of information
If biopsies are sent away for analysis using existing techniques, then compositional information can be obtained, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The needle probe performs self-diagnosis by measuring electrical properties directly at the tissue site during the procedure. The device provides immediate feedback about tissue composition and pathology without requiring external laboratory analysis, enabling real-time decision-making during surgery or diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement is performed preliminarily during the insertion procedure itself, before any sample removal or transport is needed. By obtaining compositional information in-situ during the initial needle insertion, the system eliminates subsequent time-consuming transport and analysis steps.
3Loss of information
If existing techniques are used to detect tissue properties during surgery, then information can be obtained, but ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in referencing information
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback about tissue properties directly to the surgeon during the procedure. The electrical measurements are processed and presented in real-time, allowing the surgeon to adjust their approach based on ongoing tissue characterization without needing to reference external reports or wait for laboratory results.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple electronics are used in the needle probe, then ease of manufacture and device simplicity improve, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high measurement precision with simple electronics by carefully selecting and optimizing electrical measurement parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and measurement timing. The system measures multiple electrical parameters (impedance, capacitance, resistance) at different frequencies to extract detailed tissue composition information using basic circuitry.
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 minimally invasive sensing of tissue properties during surgery, allows early detection of food spoilage and product deterioration, and provides reliable monitoring of medical conditions without requiring sample analysis or container opening.
Implementation Method 1
drive an electrical current through the resistive element to apply heating to the resistive element
Implementation Method 2
measure an electrical response of the resistive element to the heating to determine compositional information about material in contact with the tip region
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to sensing compositional information about material by measuring thermal properties of the material. In one arrangement there is provided a needle probe for sensing compositional information. The probe comprises a needle having a tip region. A resistive element is attached to the needle at the tip region. A measurement system is configured to: 1) drive an electrical current through the resistive element to apply heating to the resistive element, and 2) measure an electrical response of the resistive element to the heating. A processing unit analyses the measured electrical response of the resistive element to the heating to determine compositional information about material in contact with the tip region.