Optical Probe Needle for Depth-Dependent Tissue Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ensuring adequate tumor resection margins during surgery are laborious and prone to sampling errors, as they rely on anatomical inspection and frozen section procedures that are time-consuming and limited in scope.
Innovation Solution
An optical probe with a needle and optical waveguide that allows for the measurement of Raman spectra at controlled depths within tissue samples, distinguishing tumor tissue from healthy tissue based on spectral signatures, and providing real-time feedback on resection margins through an interrogator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frozen section procedure is used to inspect resection margins, then tissue samples can be evaluated by pathologist, but the procedure is laborious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical frozen section procedure with an optical measurement system using Raman spectroscopy. The optical probe with waveguide transmits light through tissue to obtain spectral signatures that identify tumor tissue, eliminating the need for time-consuming frozen section processing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical waveguide as an intermediary between the light source and tissue sample. The waveguide transmits excitation light to the tissue and collects the Raman scattered light, enabling rapid spectral analysis without requiring physical tissue sectioning or freezing, thus reducing procedure time while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If frozen section procedure is used to inspect resection margins, then tissue samples can be evaluated, but the procedure is limited to inspection of only a small number samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the labor-intensive frozen section procedure with rapid optical spectroscopy that can analyze multiple tissue locations sequentially without the constraints of sample preparation time, enabling comprehensive inspection of resection margins across numerous samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic measurement approach where the optical probe can be moved to different tissue locations and depths during surgery, allowing real-time spectral analysis of multiple samples without the static constraints of frozen section processing, thereby increasing the number of samples that can be inspected.
3Measurement precision
If optical waveguide transmits light through needle to measure Raman spectrum at controlled depth, then depth-dependent spectral analysis is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the optical waveguide is positioned concentrically within the needle, with the waveguide core surrounded by cladding and optionally a coating layer. This nested arrangement enables controlled light transmission to specific depths while maintaining a compact, integrated probe structure that manages complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical probe to serve multiple functions: the needle provides mechanical penetration and positioning, while the integrated optical waveguide performs both light delivery and collection. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components, managing device complexity while achieving precise depth-dependent spectral measurement capability.
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
Enables quick and accurate assessment of resection margins, reducing the risk of incomplete tumor removal by providing immediate, depth-dependent spectral analysis of tissue samples, thereby improving surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide arranged to transmit light through the needle
Implementation Method 2
tumour tissue can be distinguished from healthy tissue by means of its spectral signature, e.g. Raman spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe, instrument, and method for measuring a tissue sample. The optical probe comprises a needle having a needle tip formed to penetrate a tissue surface and an optical waveguide arranged to transmit light through the needle; and a probe housing for holding the needle and comprising at least one of an actuator or a sensor configured to receive or generate a depth signal to determine a depth position of the needle tip relative to the tissue surface.