Optical Tissue Stiffness Characterization for Surgical Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and delineating cancerous tissue during surgery are inaccurate, leading to potential residual malignancy and increased recurrence risk, as they rely on manual palpation which is subjective and difficult to precisely locate the extent of tumors.
Innovation Solution
A method using a device with an optical element that emits and detects electromagnetic radiation to characterize mechanical properties of biological tissue, allowing for the identification of tissue stiffness and differentiation between healthy and diseased tissue by analyzing deformation-induced changes in radiation propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual palpation is used to identify cancerous tissue, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability of tumour boundary identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical palpation with an optical measurement system that uses electromagnetic radiation to characterize tissue mechanical properties. The device inserts an optical element into the tissue, emits electromagnetic radiation, and detects changes in radiation propagation caused by tissue deformation, thereby objectively measuring tissue stiffness without relying on surgeon tactile sensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures changes in tissue mechanical properties by detecting changes in electromagnetic radiation propagation parameters. When tissue is deformed during insertion, the optical element detects changes in radiation transmission, reflection, or scattering that correlate with tissue stiffness, providing a quantitative parameter to identify cancerous boundaries.
2Device complexity
If manual palpation is used to delineate tumour extent, then no additional equipment is needed, but the reliability of complete cancerous tissue removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual assessment with an objective optical measurement system that quantifies tissue mechanical properties. By measuring tissue stiffness through electromagnetic radiation propagation changes, the system provides reliable identification of cancerous tissue boundaries, enabling complete removal while minimizing healthy tissue loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time feedback during surgery by continuously monitoring electromagnetic radiation propagation changes as the optical element moves through tissue. This feedback allows the surgeon to immediately identify tumour boundaries and adjust the resection margin accordingly, ensuring complete removal of cancerous tissue.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic radiation detection is used to characterize tissue mechanical properties, then the measurement precision of tissue stiffness improves, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: the optical element serves as both the insertion tool for tissue deformation and the detection tool for measuring radiation propagation changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment while maintaining high measurement precision for tissue stiffness characterization.
4Productivity
If real-time electromagnetic radiation detection is used during tissue deformation, then the productivity and timeliness of tumour identification improves, but the use of energy and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic emission of electromagnetic radiation during the insertion and deformation process, rather than continuous emission. This periodic action provides real-time measurement capability for rapid tumour identification while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 precise characterization of tissue mechanical properties in real-time, facilitating accurate identification and localization of cancerous tissue boundaries during surgery, thereby improving surgical outcomes and reducing recurrence rates.
Implementation Method 1
emitting electromagnetic radiation into the material such that propagation of the electromagnetic radiation through the material is influenced by the mechanical property of the material
Data Source
AI summary
A method for characterising a mechanical property of a material. The method comprises the steps of providing the material having a deformable portion and providing a device having an optical element that is arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation.