Orthogonal Reflector Markers for Precise 3D Lesion Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lesion localization during surgical procedures, such as lumpectomies, are limited by the potential movement or migration of wires or radioactive seeds, leading to inaccurate lesion identification and removal of healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
Implantable reflectors or markers with orthogonal sequences that modulate electromagnetic signals using light pulses to provide precise localization by transmitting and receiving signals with a probe, allowing simultaneous identification and location of multiple markers.
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 system uses dynamic signal modulation where each marker is assigned a unique orthogonal code sequence that actively modulates its reflected electromagnetic signal. This dynamic coding allows the system to distinguish between multiple markers and track their positions accurately, resolving the contradiction by making the markers actively identifiable rather than passively static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different orthogonal code sequences to different markers, analogous to different colors or identifiers. This allows the detection system to differentiate between multiple markers simultaneously, enabling precise localization of multiple lesions or multiple aspects of a single lesion without confusion or migration issues.
2Device complexity
If traditional two-dimensional imaging is used for lesion guidance, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the images provide limited guidance for three-dimensional lesion localization and margin determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex three-dimensional imaging systems with a simpler electromagnetic signal-based localization approach. By using orthogonal code modulation and signal processing, the system achieves three-dimensional localization capability without requiring sophisticated imaging equipment, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the localization problem by using time-varying orthogonal code sequences. This allows the system to distinguish between multiple markers in three-dimensional space through their unique temporal signatures, effectively adding a fourth dimension (time) to resolve spatial ambiguity without complex imaging hardware.
3Measurement precision
If multiple markers are implanted for comprehensive lesion mapping, then better localization coverage is achieved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and locate each marker simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification problem by assigning unique orthogonal code sequences to each marker. This segmentation allows the detection system to separate and identify each marker's signal independently, even when multiple markers are present, thus maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the detection process through code-based differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signal identification from spatial or intensity-based differentiation to code sequence-based differentiation. By modulating each marker with a unique orthogonal code, the system can distinguish between multiple markers simultaneously through signal processing, making it easier to detect and locate each marker despite having comprehensive lesion mapping coverage.
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 accurate, three-dimensional localization of lesions by processing reflected signals to distinguish and locate markers simultaneously, reducing the risk of incomplete removal or healthy tissue loss.
Implementation Method 1
Each marker may include 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 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.