Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Tissue Detection for Bone Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring changes in bone density and diseased tissues, particularly in patients receiving anti-resorptive drugs, are limited by the use of ionizing radiation, which is harmful and impractical for repeated use, and fail to detect subtle changes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device using non-ionizing electromagnetic waves, specifically in the terahertz and infrared spectrum, is employed to measure bone perfusion and density, allowing for repetitive and accurate assessments of bone changes without the adverse effects of ionizing radiation, utilizing a customizable stent with detection ports to transmit and receive waves for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation (x-ray or gamma ray) is used for tissue diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is improved, but harmful effects on tissue cells increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic radiation from ionizing (x-ray, gamma ray) to non-ionizing (infrared, terahertz). This parameter change allows the system to maintain diagnostic capability through tissue penetration and interaction while eliminating the harmful ionizing effects that damage tissue cells. The non-ionizing nature of the selected frequency range is the key parameter change that resolves this contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the conventional ionizing radiation mechanism with an alternative non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation mechanism. Instead of using high-energy ionizing photons that damage tissue, the system uses lower-energy infrared and terahertz waves that interact with tissue through different physical mechanisms (vibrational, rotational modes) to achieve diagnostic purposes without cellular damage.
2Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation is used for bone density monitoring, then measurement accuracy is improved, but practicality for repeated use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type parameter from ionizing to non-ionizing electromagnetic waves. This enables repeated measurements to be performed safely on the same patients over time, making the system practical for monitoring bone density changes during anti-resorptive drug treatment while maintaining measurement accuracy through the unique interaction of non-ionizing waves with bone and soft tissue.
3Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic tools are used, then detection capability is improved, but adverse effects on human cells increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes conventional ionizing radiation diagnostic tools with a non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation system. The infrared and terahertz waves interact with tissue through vibrational and rotational molecular modes rather than ionization, providing detection capability for bone and soft tissue abnormalities while avoiding adverse cellular effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the electromagnetic radiation from high-energy ionizing to low-energy non-ionizing ranges. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with biological tissue, enabling detection of tissue abnormalities through non-destructive physical interactions while eliminating cellular damage.
4Device complexity
If single-frequency electromagnetic waves are used, then device simplicity is improved, but detection versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic spectrum into two distinct frequency ranges (infrared and terahertz) rather than using a single frequency. This segmentation allows the system to exploit different interaction mechanisms at different frequencies - infrared for certain tissue properties and terahertz for others - thereby achieving versatile detection capability across multiple tissue types and conditions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional diagnostic system that can detect both hard tissue (bone) and soft tissue abnormalities using non-ionizing electromagnetic waves. By incorporating both infrared and terahertz capabilities, the single device achieves universal detection versatility across different tissue types and pathological conditions, replacing the need for multiple specialized diagnostic tools.
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 approach enables safe, repeated monitoring of bone density and tissue changes, reducing the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw and improving the efficacy of anti-resorptive drug administration by providing early detection and precise measurement of bone vascular perfusion, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
using an infrared portion of an electromagnetic spectrum in the detection of bone perfusion and the THZ portion of an electromagnetic spectrum, in detection of bone loss and diseased soft and hard tissue
Implementation Method 2
employs optical rectification, whereby high frequency oscillations of a femtosecond laser pulse are rectified by an optical crystal, leaving only the envelope of the laser signal which is a THz pulse
Implementation Method 3
Typically the waves of this spectrum penetrate the tissue and reflect back to a detector, where they will be read and analyzed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring hard and/or soft tissue abnormalities incidental to dental and/or systemic disease is provided. The apparatus includes a diagnostic device configured for transmitting and receiving non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to measure the patient's hard and/or soft tissue abnormalities associated with the underlying hard and/or soft tissue. The diagnostic device may include at least one of a stent and a diagnostic probe, connected to a computer. The diagnostic device is configured to transmit and receive the electromagnetic waves, and the computer is configured for measure the bone density and/or bone vascular perfusion adjacent and across the patient's hard and/or soft tissue. A method for measuring hard and/or soft tissue abnormalities incidental to dental and/or systemic disease is also provided.