Optical Probe Magnetic Actuation Position Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging modalities for guiding biopsies, such as ultrasound, have limited resolution and cannot distinguish between benign and malignant tissue, leading to potentially incorrect biopsy procedures due to the lack of direct feedback.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-optic system with an optical probe featuring a magnetic actuation mechanism and position measuring system, allowing for precise displacement and feedback during biopsy procedures, enabling direct inspection and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound or other imaging modalities are used to guide biopsy, then the biopsy procedure can be performed, but the resolution is limited and cannot discriminate between benign and malignant tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical imaging systems (ultrasound, MRI) with a photonic crystal-based optical probe that utilizes light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. The photonic crystal structure provides enhanced optical contrast mechanisms that enable direct visualization and discrimination of tissue types with superior resolution compared to conventional imaging modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of tissue inspection by using photonic crystal optical properties (bandgap effects, resonant frequencies) rather than traditional ultrasound frequencies or MRI magnetic field parameters. This parameter change enables new contrast mechanisms that provide both high resolution and tissue discrimination capability simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If blind biopsy is performed without direct feedback, then the procedure is simpler, but errors increase due to inability to confirm correct tissue sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time optical feedback through the photonic crystal probe that provides direct visual confirmation of tissue characteristics during the biopsy procedure. This feedback mechanism allows operators to verify they are sampling the correct tissue type, eliminating the uncertainty inherent in blind biopsy procedures while maintaining procedural simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If high precision positioning system is implemented, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic crystal probe structure inherently provides positioning and tissue discrimination functions through its optical properties without requiring separate complex positioning systems. The photonic crystal's optical response serves multiple functions simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high precision capabilities.
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 provides a direct feedback signal for precise positioning of the biopsy, enhancing the accuracy of tissue sampling and reducing the risk of errors in biopsy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
supplying a driving current through the at least one driving coil a magnetic flux is generated which interacts with the magnet and forms a driving force acting on the optical guide causing a displacement of the distal end of the optical guide
Implementation Method 2
a position measuring coil for monitoring the position of the optical guide, the internal arrangement of the position measuring coil and the at least one driving coil being such that said displacement of the distal end of the optical guide causes a change in the internal arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe and an optical imaging system include an optical guide, and an actuator having driving coils and a magnet. By supplying a driving current through the driving a magnetic flux is generated which causes a displacement of the distal end of the optical guide. A position measuring device includes a position measuring coil used for monitoring the position of the optical guide, where displacement of the guide distal end causes change in the relative positions of the measuring and driving coils. A power supply supplies a high frequency AC current through the driving coils which causes, an induced voltage in the position measuring coil and thus generates a magnetic coupling between the measuring and driving coils. This induced voltage change is indicative for the position of the distal end.