Implantable Optical Markers for Precise Lesion Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for localizing lesions during surgical procedures, such as lumpectomy, face challenges due to the limited guidance provided by two-dimensional imaging and the risk of marker migration, leading to inaccurate lesion identification and potential removal of healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
Implantable markers equipped with energy converters, switches, and antennas that modulate radar or light signals to provide precise localization, using energy pulses or light sources to control the markers' reflective properties and enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire is inserted into the breast for localization, then the lesion location can be identified, but the wire may move between placement and surgery causing inaccurate localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire localization system with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on a physical wire that can move, the invention uses light-emitting markers (such as fluorescent or phosphorescent markers) that are imaged using specialized imaging equipment. This substitution eliminates the mechanical instability issue while maintaining localization accuracy through optical detection of the marker's position.
2Ease of manufacture
If two-dimensional imaging is used to guide surgery, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the guidance is limited for three-dimensional structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs markers with specific optical properties, particularly fluorescent and phosphorescent materials that emit light at different wavelengths or intensities. These markers can be visualized using specialized imaging equipment that detects their unique optical signatures, enabling precise three-dimensional localization. The color and brightness characteristics of the markers provide additional information that enhances the accuracy of locating lesions and defining margins in three-dimensional space.
3Measurement precision
If a radioactive seed is placed for localization, then the seed position can be identified during surgery, but the seed may migrate within the body and the precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive seed system with optical markers that have superior stability. The optical markers are designed to be mechanically stable within the tissue and can be visualized with high precision using light-based imaging equipment. This eliminates the migration problem associated with radioactive seeds while providing enhanced localization accuracy through the superior resolution of optical imaging compared to gamma probe detection.
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 solution enables accurate and precise localization of lesions in three dimensions, reducing the risk of marker migration and improving the precision of tissue removal by modulating signals to enhance detection and reduce noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter for transforming energy pulses striking the marker into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
one or more antennas coupled to the switch, the switch configured to open and close to modulate radar signals reflected by the marker back to a source of the signals
Data Source
AI summary
Markers and related systems and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The marker includes one or more photosensitive diodes for transforming light pulses striking the marker into electrical energy, one or more antennas, and a switch coupled to the photodiodes and antennas such that the light pulses cause the switch to open and close and modulate radar signals reflected by the marker back to a source of the signals. The antenna(s) may include one or more wire elements extending from a housing, one or more antenna elements printed on a substrate, or one or more chip antennas. Optionally, the marker may include a processor coupled to the photodiodes for identifying signals in the light pulses or one or more coatings or filters to allow selective activation of the marker.