Optical Tissue Analysis Using Contrast Agent Pharmacokinetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the benign or malignant state of gastrointestinal lesions, such as those in the rectum, are often invasive, inaccurate, and may lead to over or under treatment due to false negative or ambiguous results, necessitating a more efficient and accurate method for differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of image data analysis after administering a contrast agent, where the intensity of light emitted from the target tissue is compared to adjacent background tissue at multiple time points to determine if the target tissue is benign or malignant based on initial uptake and washout phases of the contrast agent, utilizing differences in pharmacokinetic properties to differentiate tissue types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biopsies are taken for histological analysis to determine the benign or malignant state of lesions, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient harm increases due to adverse effects from the biopsy procedure itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical biopsy procedure with an optical imaging system that uses light to detect and characterize tissue properties. The endoscopic imaging device with multiple wavelengths and polarization capabilities allows non-invasive assessment of tissue morphology and composition, substituting the need for physical tissue sampling while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance that interacts with tissue to provide diagnostic information. By using light absorption, scattering, and polarization properties at different wavelengths, the system mediates between the diagnostic need and the patient, enabling accurate tissue characterization without direct mechanical intervention.
2Productivity
If single point in time optical diagnosis is used to differentiate neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions, then the procedure is simple and quick, but measurement precision is variable and insufficient for reliable diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static single-time-point imaging to dynamic multi-temporal imaging. By capturing images at multiple time points during contrast agent circulation and analyzing the temporal changes in optical properties, the system maintains procedural efficiency while significantly improving diagnostic precision through dynamic tissue characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to optical diagnosis by performing sequential imaging at multiple time points. This temporal dimension, combined with multiple wavelengths and polarization states, creates a multi-dimensional dataset that enhances diagnostic accuracy without substantially increasing procedural complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If contrast agent imaging is used to analyze suspect tissue formations, then non-invasive diagnosis is achieved, but measurement precision remains insufficient for reliable benign versus malignant differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into multiple wavelength channels and time points, allowing separate analysis of different tissue properties. By dividing the optical spectrum into multiple bands and analyzing temporal patterns at each wavelength, the system achieves precise lesion characterization while maintaining non-invasive imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach combining multiple contrast agents with different pharmacokinetic properties, each providing unique information about tissue characteristics. By integrating data from multiple agents and analyzing their combined temporal-spectral patterns, the system achieves superior diagnostic precision without increasing invasiveness.
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
This approach provides a more accurate and less invasive means to determine the malignant or benign state of tissues, potentially reducing the need for biopsies and unnecessary surgical interventions, leading to improved clinical outcomes and cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
determining an intensity of light emitted from a first area of the target bodily tissue and an intensity of light emitted from a first area of the background bodily tissue at a plurality of time points during the time period, the intensity of light emitted from the target bodily tissue and the background bodily tissue at each of the plurality of time points being dependent upon the amount or brightness of contrast agent present in said tissues at each time point
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of analysing a target bodily tissue of a subject. The method involves manipulating image data from the target bodily tissue and a background bodily tissue after dosing the subject with a contrast agent. The relative intensities of the light emitted from selected areas of the target bodily tissue and background bodily tissue at different time points after dosing are compared to determine whether 1) the intensity of light emitted from the target bodily tissue is lower than the intensity of light emitted from the background bodily tissue during the first part of the time period; and/or 2) the intensity of light emitted from the target bodily tissue is higher than the intensity of light emitted from the background bodily tissue during the second part of the time period; to assist in the determination of whether the target bodily tissue is benign or malignant.