Orthogonal Reflector Switching for Simultaneous 3D Marker Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for localizing lesions during surgical procedures, such as lumpectomies, face challenges due to the limitations of two-dimensional imaging and the potential for marker migration, leading to inaccurate lesion identification and removal of either the lesion or healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing implantable reflectors or markers that modulate electromagnetic signals using orthogonal code sequences in response to light pulses, allowing for precise localization through a probe that transmits and receives these signals, enabling accurate identification and simultaneous localization of multiple markers within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire is inserted into the breast for localization, then the lesion location can be identified, but the wire may move between placement and surgery causing inaccurate localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire localization system with an optical signaling system. Instead of relying on a physical wire that can move, the system uses a seed with optical components (photodetector, light-emitting elements) that transmit positional information optically. The probe detects light signals from the seed to determine lesion location, eliminating the mechanical connection that causes wire displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the seed and the probe. The seed emits or reflects light that carries positional information, and the probe detects this light to locate the lesion. This optical intermediary allows accurate localization without requiring a physical connection that could move.
2Measurement precision
If a radioactive seed is used for localization, then the seed position can be identified during surgery, but the seed may migrate within the body after needle removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle-seed delivery system with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on the physical presence of a needle to hold the seed in place, the system uses optical signals from the seed detected by a probe to determine position. This allows the seed to remain stable without mechanical constraint while maintaining localization accuracy.
3Loss of information
If two-dimensional imaging is used to guide surgery, then the lesion location can be identified on images, but the images provide limited guidance for three-dimensional lesion localization and margin determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional optical signal detection. The probe can detect light signals from the seed in three-dimensional space, providing spatial information in all dimensions rather than projecting three-dimensional location onto a two-dimensional image plane. This enables accurate 3D localization and margin determination.
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
This system provides three-dimensional guidance for surgeons, reducing the risk of incomplete removal or unnecessary tissue removal by ensuring accurate localization of lesions, even in dynamic tissue environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for delivering light pulses into a patient's body synchronized with the electromagnetic signals
Implementation Method 2
Each marker may include an energy converter configured to transform the light pulses from the energy source into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
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 4
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
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.