Optical Tissue-Sensing Needle Guidance for Fast Insertions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical insertion procedures, such as catheterization and biopsy, require precision and are difficult to perform, often necessitating expensive equipment and expert personnel, posing challenges in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A light-based medical device that luminesces tissue to identify its type and provides real-time feedback, incorporating light sources, detectors, and a control module to analyze reflected light for precise insertion guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound guided systems or Fluoroscopy X-Ray based image processing techniques are used for guiding insertions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (ultrasound transducers, X-ray fluoroscopy equipment) with a simple optical system consisting of light sources and photodetectors. The optical fibers deliver light to tissue and detect reflected/fluoresced light, eliminating the need for complex image processing hardware while achieving sufficient precision for insertion guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of tissue properties by measuring light absorption and fluorescence characteristics. Instead of using complex imaging to visualize tissue, the system uses spectral analysis of light interactions to identify tissue type and guide insertion, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound guided systems or Fluoroscopy X-Ray based image processing techniques are used for guiding insertions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to complicated processes requiring image processing and constant analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming image processing and analysis procedures with direct optical measurement. Light sources illuminate tissue and photodetectors immediately detect optical properties, providing real-time feedback without the delays associated with ultrasound image processing or X-ray fluoroscopy analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue itself provides the measurement signal through its natural optical properties (light absorption, scattering, fluorescence). The system requires no external contrast agents, special preparation, or complex setup - the tissue's inherent interaction with light provides immediate feedback for insertion guidance.
3Reliability
If expert personnel and expensive equipment are used for guided insertion procedures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex imaging equipment with simple, reliable optical components. The system uses basic light sources and photodetectors connected via optical fibers, eliminating the need for sophisticated ultrasound machines or X-ray fluoroscopy equipment while maintaining sufficient reliability for clinical insertion procedures.
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
Facilitates easy and quick medical procedures by providing tissue type identification and guidance, reducing the need for expert personnel and expensive equipment, especially in emergency scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a light-carrying component (for example reflective hollow channel(s) such as optical fiber(s))
Implementation Method 2
lens(es) at the tip of the device to guide and direct luminescing light to the tissue and its reflectance from the tissue back to the device
Implementation Method 3
light detectors(s) to detect the collected reflectance
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments describe a light-based medical device that uses light to luminesce tissue, and collect the reflected light, to perform analysis on the reflection characteristics in real-time to detect the type of surrounding tissue as well deeper tissue in the trajectory of the luminescence. Such device can be incorporated inside needles, catheters, tubes or piercing or biopsy tools, surgical blades, surgical tweezers, and so on, to direct their insertions and operations in specific zones. Importantly, because of the easy-to-use design, embodiments can be used without the need of highly trained personnel or expensive hospital equipment. Therefore, embodiments can be utilized in emergency situations that require fast responses, performed in ERs, moving vehicles, ambulances, and battlefields.