Optical Tissue Thickness Measurement via Back-Scattered Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing cartilage thickness and fiber structure during arthroscopic joint evaluations often disrupt the cartilage layer, lacking a non-invasive, quantitative approach for simultaneous visual and diagnostic assessments.
Innovation Solution
An optical device utilizing differences in optical properties between tissues, employing light illumination and signal processing to determine tissue thickness and fiber linearization through intensity analysis of back-scattered light, with solutions including single-point, imaging, and miniaturized measurement systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If needle probe methods or disarticulation methods are used to measure cartilage thickness, then measurement precision is improved, but the cartilage layer is disrupted causing deformation or swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (needle probes that physically penetrate cartilage) with an optical measurement system using light sources and detectors. The optical system measures cartilage thickness by analyzing light transmission and reflection properties through the cartilage layer, eliminating mechanical disruption while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to measure cartilage thickness without direct contact or disruption. By using light sources and detectors positioned on opposite sides of the cartilage layer, the system obtains thickness measurements through optical transmission, avoiding the harmful mechanical intervention of needle probes
2Ease of operation
If conventional arthroscopy is used for joint visualization, then ease of operation is improved, but quantitative assessment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines conventional arthroscopic visualization with quantitative optical measurement capabilities into a single integrated system. The arthroscope includes both imaging components for visualization and measurement components (light sources, detectors) for obtaining quantitative cartilage thickness and fiber structure data, eliminating the need for separate procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional arthroscopic system that performs both qualitative visualization and quantitative measurement functions. The same arthroscope enables surgeons to visually examine joint structures while simultaneously obtaining numerical data on cartilage thickness and collagen fiber linearization, providing comprehensive diagnostic capability
3Measurement precision
If OCT or MRI is used for cartilage assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex imaging systems like OCT and MRI, creating a simplified optical system that focuses specifically on cartilage thickness and fiber structure measurement. By using basic optical components (light sources, detectors, fiber optics) rather than complex interferometric or magnetic resonance systems, the patent achieves comparable measurement precision with significantly reduced complexity
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 minimally invasive characterization of cartilage, providing accurate thickness measurements and information on collagen fiber linearization, potentially integrating with arthroscopy for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The arrangement comprises a probe and means for light source driving/control, light detection, signal processing and presentation
Implementation Method 2
employing light illumination and signal processing to determine tissue thickness and fiber linearization through intensity analysis of back-scattered light
Implementation Method 3
The optical device utilizing differences in optical properties between tissues, employing light illumination and signal processing
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement and method for imaging and/or measuring tissue qualities, such as tissue thickness, tissue surface roughness and degree of tissue fiber linearization. The arrangement includes at least one light generating element, at least one light detecting element, a probe with an extension, and possibly a control apparatus including a signal processor for processing the detected signals and/or images. The extension is designed to convey light from the light generating element to the tissue for visualization and/or measurement. The extension is also designed to convey light back-scattered from the tissue to the light detecting element. The detecting element is designed to measure the intensity and/or spatial distribution of light back-scattered from the tissue.