Optically Guided Needle Biopsy System for Prostate Cancer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle biopsy methods for prostate cancer diagnosis are inefficient, missing approximately 30% of cancerous lesions due to a lack of navigation, and saturation biopsies do not significantly improve sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
An optically guided needle biopsy system that integrates a motorized computer-controlled probe holder with an ultrasound probe and an optical attachment featuring an optical fiber and biopsy needle, capable of broadband light reflectance spectroscopy and auto-fluorescence lifetime measurement, to accurately locate and differentiate cancerous tissue in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional needle biopsy methods are used, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the detection accuracy is low and about 30% of cancerous lesions are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasound imaging capability with optical spectroscopy detection into a single integrated biopsy system. The ultrasound probe and optical fiber are integrated into the same catheter assembly, allowing simultaneous anatomical localization and biochemical characterization of tissue, thereby improving cancer detection accuracy while maintaining a unified device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs optical spectroscopy measurements before completing the biopsy procedure. By detecting biochemical signatures of cancerous tissue in real-time during needle insertion, the system identifies target locations preliminarily, allowing the biopsy to focus only on suspicious areas rather than relying on random sampling
2Reliability
If saturation biopsies are performed to improve detection rate, then more tissue samples are taken, but the sensitivity and specificity do not significantly improve and the procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectroscopy system acts as an intermediary between the ultrasound probe and the biopsy needle. It provides real-time biochemical feedback that guides needle positioning, enabling precise targeting of cancerous lesions with minimal needle insertions rather than relying on multiple random samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback through optical spectroscopy measurements during the biopsy procedure. The detected biochemical signatures are immediately fed back to guide needle positioning and depth, allowing dynamic adjustment to target cancerous tissue accurately and reduce the need for multiple blind insertions
3Measurement precision
If real-time optical detection is implemented during biopsy, then cancerous tissue can be differentiated with high accuracy, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber serves multiple functions: it delivers excitation light to the tissue, collects reflected and emitted light signals, and transmits them to the detector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall optical system while maintaining high tissue differentiation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own tissue autofluorescence and light scattering properties as the detection mechanism. No external dyes, markers, or contrast agents are required - the tissue itself provides the optical signals needed for cancer detection, eliminating the need for complex delivery systems for external agents
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
The system enhances the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis, reduces under- and over-treatments, and improves patient outcomes by providing a real-time, minimally invasive method for selecting biopsy sites, with high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating cancerous from healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
one or more detecting units capable of a broadband light reflectance spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
one or more detecting units capable of broadband light reflectance spectroscopy, an auto-fluorescence lifetime measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an apparatus, system and method for detection of tissues, e.g., a cancer, by optical biopsy comprising: a motorized computer-controlled probe holder; a needle-like probe connected to and controlled by the motorized computer-controlled probe holder, the probe comprising an optical and an ultrasound detector; and one or more detector units capable of a broadband light reflectance spectroscopy, an auto fluorescence lifetime measurement, and auto fluorescence spectroscopy measurement.