Oocyte Retrieval Tube with Integrated Camera for Real-Time Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
During oocyte retrieval, physicians lack real-time knowledge about the number, quality, and parameters of collected oocytes, leading to repeated procedures that are painful for patients and increase infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera, suction unit, and controller that captures images of oocytes in a transparent retrieval tube, allowing for real-time identification and scoring of oocytes based on characteristics like size, shape, and quality, and controls suction and sorting units accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple repetitions of oocyte retrieval are performed to ensure sufficient collection, then the number of collected oocytes increases, but patient pain and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time visual feedback by capturing images of oocytes during the retrieval process through a transparent tube and camera system. The controller displays these images to the physician, enabling immediate assessment of oocyte collection status. This feedback mechanism allows the physician to determine when sufficient oocytes have been collected, eliminating the need for multiple repeated procedures and thereby reducing patient pain and infection risk while ensuring adequate oocyte quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of oocyte collection by capturing and analyzing images in real-time during the retrieval process. By visualizing oocytes as they are being collected, the system enables the physician to make informed decisions about whether to continue or stop the procedure, preventing unnecessary repeated insertions and associated harms.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple repetitions of oocyte retrieval are performed to ensure sufficient collection, then the number of collected oocytes increases, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time visual feedback system allows the physician to immediately assess whether sufficient oocytes have been collected during a single procedure. By displaying captured images of oocytes in the transparent tube, the system enables prompt decision-making about procedure continuation or termination, eliminating time-wasting repeated procedures and ensuring efficient oocyte collection within a single session.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-assessment capability by automatically capturing and displaying images of collected oocytes. The physician can independently evaluate collection status without needing to perform additional procedures or wait for laboratory analysis, thereby reducing overall procedure time while ensuring adequate oocyte quantity.
3Productivity
If real-time imaging and analysis system is implemented, then oocyte collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent tube serves multiple functions: it acts as both the retrieval conduit for oocytes and the optical medium for imaging. The camera system captures images through this same tube, eliminating the need for separate imaging equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high collection efficiency through real-time visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent tube acts as an intermediary that enables both fluid transport and optical transmission. By using this single component for dual purposes, the system achieves real-time imaging capability without adding complex separate imaging pathways, thereby improving productivity while keeping device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for oocytes retrieval is disclosed. The system comprises: at least one camera; a holder configured to hold the camera and an oocytes retrieval tube such that a transparent portion of the oocytes retrieval tube is within the field of view (FOV) of the at least one camera; and a controller configured to: control the at least one camera to capture images of the transparent portion. The transparent portion is transparent to visible light.