Near Infrared Fluorescent Polymers for Surgical Tissue Depth Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In robotically assisted surgeries, surgeons face challenges in visualizing tissue depth and quality due to the lack of haptic feedback, making it difficult to discern anatomical structures and perform procedures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A medical device embedded with near infrared fluorescent polymers, specifically indocyanine green dye, is used to emit fluorescence that penetrates tissue up to 10 millimeters, enhancing visualization by combining near infrared radiation with visual spectrum imaging, allowing for better tissue differentiation and procedural guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If robotically assisted surgery is used, then surgical precision and minimally invasive capability are improved, but tissue visualization depth and quality assessment are worsened due to lack of haptic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent dyes that emit light at different wavelengths when excited, creating color/brightness variations in tissue imaging. The surgical device incorporates fluorescent markers that emit detectable signals, allowing the surgeon to visualize tissue depth and differentiate tissue types through optical contrast rather than haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical haptic feedback system with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on the surgeon's tactile sense through robotic manipulators, the system uses fluorescent excitation and detection mechanisms to provide visual information about tissue properties, substituting mechanical interaction with optical field interaction.
2Ease of operation
If traditional surgical approaches are used, then direct tactile feedback is maintained, but surgical invasiveness increases and procedural complexity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent markers and optical detection systems as intermediaries between the surgical tool and the tissue. Rather than direct mechanical contact providing all necessary information, the fluorescent intermediary converts tissue properties into optical signals that can be detected and interpreted, bridging the gap between minimally invasive techniques and comprehensive tissue assessment.
3Length of stationary object
If fluorescent dyes are embedded in polymer devices, then tissue penetration depth is improved to 10 millimeters, but device manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite materials by embedding fluorescent dyes within polymer matrices. This composite structure combines the mechanical properties of the polymer with the optical properties of the fluorescent dye, achieving both structural integrity and enhanced tissue penetration capability through material composition rather than complex device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration and type of fluorescent dye within the polymer to achieve specific penetration depths. By adjusting chemical parameters such as dye concentration, molecular structure, and polymer composition, the system achieves 10 millimeter tissue penetration without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the device.
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
This solution improves surgical visualization, enabling quicker and more effective procedures, reducing surgery time, improving recovery times, and enhancing surgical decision-making by providing real-time tissue depth and quality information.
Implementation Method 1
excitation of the near infrared fluorescent dye will produce near infrared fluorescence capable of penetrating human tissue to a predetermined depth
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical visualization and medical imaging device and related computer based imaging methods and systems are disclosed. The surgical devices of the present invention use indocyanine green dye combined with a plastic, and are used in enhanced surgical imaging in applications such as robotically assisted surgeries. A near infrared light source, such as an 805 nm laser, may be used to excite the surgical device so that the device emits 835 nm light. Both the excitation and emission wavelengths penetrate tissue and blood, and provide enhanced imaging of surgical procedures. The resulting fluorescence image allows a user to readily determine relative tissue depth, to identify tissue inhomogeneity, to detect masses or tissue irregularities, to pinpoint anatomical holes, and to visualize tears.