Optical Cannula for Precise Breast Tissue Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lipomodeling procedures for breast augmentation face challenges in precision and consistency due to variability in physician technique and difficulty in accurately positioning adipose tissue within the breast, leading to inconsistent results and potential improper placement near muscles or ducts.
Innovation Solution
A cannula assembly utilizing diffuse reflectance with optical fibers and a processor for real-time tissue type detection, enabling controlled and precise injection of adipose tissue by automatically adjusting injection based on tissue type, and incorporating mechanisms for accurate harvesting and delivery of fat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual injection technique is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but precision and consistency of fat placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through optical sensors that detect tissue type and provide signals to the control system, enabling automatic adjustment of injection parameters to achieve precise and consistent fat placement while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical injection control with an automated system that uses optical sensing, signal processing, and controlled delivery mechanisms to achieve precise fat placement, substituting physician technique variability with instrument-based precision
2Ease of operation
If manual positioning of cannula is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision of tissue type deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning and self-detection by automatically identifying tissue types through optical sensors and adjusting cannula placement accordingly, eliminating the need for manual positioning while maintaining ease of operation through automated guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual positioning with an optical sensing system that automatically detects tissue types and guides cannula placement, substituting physician judgment with instrument-based measurement precision
3Manufacturing precision
If automated tissue detection is implemented, then precision and consistency of fat injection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves consistency in fat injection by integrating multiple functions into a single instrument assembly, including optical sensing, tissue detection, automated control, and controlled delivery mechanisms, allowing one device to perform what previously required multiple separate tools and techniques
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 precision and consistency in fat injection and harvesting by providing real-time tissue type feedback and controlled delivery, minimizing the risk of improper placement and ensuring accurate deposition within desired areas of the breast.
Implementation Method 1
a cannula optically coupled to a light source, e.g., laser, etc. via an optical transmission fiber which is positioned through or adjacent to the cannula. A distal end of the transmission fiber may emit a light from the distal end of the cannula
Implementation Method 2
any light reflected by tissue in proximity to the distal end may be detected by the distal end of an optical receiving fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for tissue transfer are described where a cannula may be inserted into the breast of a subject at one of several points of entry. Insertion of the cannula into the breast may be accomplished by using a guidance system to distinguish between tissue types. Once desirably positioned, the cannula may be withdrawn from the breast while automatically (or manually) injecting the fat in multiple deposits of adipose tissue or fat such that the deposited fat remains within the tract formed by the withdrawn cannula. Multiple tracts of the deposited fat may be injected within the breast until the breast has been desirably remodeled and/or augmented.