Orthogonal Reflector Marker Localization for Stable 3D Lesion Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lesion localization during surgical procedures, such as lumpectomies, are inadequate due to the potential movement or migration of localization wires or seeds, leading to inaccurate lesion identification and removal of healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
Implantable markers with integrated energy converters, switches, and sequence generators that modulate electromagnetic signals using orthogonal code sequences, allowing simultaneous identification and localization through a probe that transmits electromagnetic and light pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire or radioactive seed is used for lesion localization, then the lesion location can be identified, but the wire or seed may move or migrate between placement and surgery, leading to inaccurate localization
Solution Approach 1:
The marker employs dynamic switching of orthogonal sequences that can be activated or deactivated remotely, allowing the marker to transition between dormant and active states. This dynamic capability ensures the marker remains positionally stable while providing the option to activate localization signals when needed, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through orthogonal sequence modulation where the marker responds to interrogating signals by transmitting back coded reflections. This feedback mechanism allows real-time verification of marker position and status, ensuring both accurate localization and confirmation of position stability throughout the surgical process.
2Loss of information
If multiple markers are implanted for simultaneous localization, then comprehensive three-dimensional information is obtained, but the reflected signals from multiple markers become difficult to distinguish and separate
Solution Approach 1:
Each marker is assigned a unique orthogonal sequence that periodically modulates its reflected signal in a distinctive pattern. These periodic modulations allow the receiving system to distinguish between multiple markers by detecting their unique temporal patterns, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple markers without signal confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different orthogonal sequence characteristics (unique code patterns, phases, or frequencies) to different markers at different spatial locations. This differentiation allows each marker to be individually identified and localized while maintaining the ability to detect all markers simultaneously, preserving complete spatial information.
3Productivity
If orthogonal code sequences are used to modulate reflected signals from multiple markers, then simultaneous identification and localization is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to integrated switches and sequence generators
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated energy converter, switch, and sequence generator that operates autonomously when interrogated. The marker self-modulates its reflected signal using its own internal components, eliminating the need for external control wiring or power sources, thereby achieving efficient simultaneous localization while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components (energy converter from prior art, switch for signal modulation, sequence generator for orthogonal coding) into a single integrated marker unit. This consolidation achieves the productivity benefit of simultaneous multi-marker localization while managing complexity by combining rather than multiplying separate systems.
4Measurement precision
If a probe transmits both electromagnetic signals and light pulses for marker detection, then precise three-dimensional localization is achieved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe continuously transmits electromagnetic signals for marker detection while using light pulses only when needed to trigger or modulate marker responses. This continuous electromagnetic monitoring combined with intermittent optical triggering maintains high localization precision while minimizing overall energy consumption by avoiding continuous high-power optical transmission.
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
Provides precise, three-dimensional localization of multiple markers within the body, ensuring accurate lesion removal and minimizing healthy tissue excision.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter configured to transform the light pulses from the energy source into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a probe comprising one or more antennas for transmitting electromagnetic signals into a patient's body and receiving reflected signals from the patient's body
Implementation Method 3
the probe further comprising a light source for delivering light pulses into a patient's body synchronized with the electromagnetic signals
Implementation Method 4
one or more elongate members coupled to a switch to provide one or more antennas; and a sequence generator coupled to the clock circuit to generate a code sequence based, at least in part, on the frames identified by the clock circuit, the sequence generator coupled to the switch to open and close the switch to modulate electromagnetic signals from the probe reflected by the marker based on the code sequence
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for identifying and locating a plurality of reflector markers implanted within a target tissue region within a patient's body. A probe is provided that is activated to transmit electromagnetic signals into the patient's body, receive reflected signals from the patient's body, and in synchronization with transmitting the electromagnetic signals, deliver light pulses into the patient's body. The markers reflector tags modulate reflected signals from the respective markers based on orthogonal code sequences opening and closing respective switches of the markers to modulate the reflective properties of the markers. The probe processes the return signals to separate the reflected signals based at least in part on the code sequences to identify and locate each of the plurality of reflector tags substantially simultaneously.