Optical Cannula for Precise Breast Tissue Injection
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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, allowing for controlled and precise injection of adipose tissue by differentiating between tissue types and automatically adjusting injection based on detected anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual injection technique is used, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the placement precision and consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through tissue type detection using optical sensors that provide information to the physician during injection, enabling precise placement while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with optical detection systems that use light transmission and reflection properties to identify tissue types, substituting mechanical skill with optical measurement for improved precision
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional injection method is used, then the device is easy to operate, but the ability to differentiate tissue types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediaries that transmit light through tissue to detect tissue type based on optical properties, enabling differentiation without requiring direct visual inspection or complex surgical exploration
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects tissue type by measuring changes in light transmission and reflection characteristics, effectively using optical 'color' or spectral properties to distinguish between different tissue types such as adipose, muscle, and glandular tissue
3Manufacturing precision
If uncontrolled injection is used, then the injection process is fast, but the volume and rate control is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or controlled injection actions rather than continuous uncontrolled injection, allowing for precise volume and rate control while maintaining overall efficiency through systematic delivery patterns
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback on injection parameters and tissue response enables dynamic adjustment of injection rate and volume, ensuring consistent precision while maintaining productivity through optimized injection protocols
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 adipose tissue placement within the breast, reducing the risk of improper placement and improving the accuracy of breast augmentation by enabling controlled volume and rate of fat injection.
Implementation Method 1
A distal end of the transmission fiber may emit a light from the distal end of the cannula
Implementation Method 2
an instrument assembly utilizing diffuse reflectance may be incorporated and may generally comprise a cannula optically coupled to a light source
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.