Real-time Parathyroid Autofluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
During thyroidectomy, it is challenging to visually distinguish and preserve the parathyroid glands due to their small size and similarity to surrounding tissues, leading to difficulties in safely performing Central Compartment Neck Dissection without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
A real-time parathyroid imaging device using a light source, detector, excitation filter, and emission filter to detect and display the stronger autofluorescence of parathyroid glands, allowing for clear marking during surgery, employing LED or laser diode light sources and CCD or CMOS cameras with band-pass filters, and optionally an infrared illuminator for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection with naked eyes is used to identify parathyroid during thyroidectomy, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the parathyroid cannot be reliably distinguished from thyroid and surrounding tissues due to similar appearance and small size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes autofluorescence color changes to differentiate parathyroid from surrounding tissues. The parathyroid exhibits stronger autofluorescence signal under specific wavelength light excitation, creating a visible color contrast that enables reliable identification during surgery without complex device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical imaging system with excitation light source and filter as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical field. This intermediary system enhances the natural autofluorescence property of parathyroid tissue, translating invisible biochemical differences into visible optical contrast for real-time identification
2Reliability
If Central Compartment Neck Dissection is performed to remove lymph nodes, then cancer metastasis is addressed, but the parathyroid is at risk of being accidentally removed due to difficulty in visual identification
Solution Approach 1:
The autofluorescence color change provides a reliable visual marker that remains consistent during the dissection process. The parathyroid's stronger fluorescence signal creates a persistent visual cue that guides surgeons throughout the CCND procedure, ensuring accurate identification and preservation regardless of tissue manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system provides continuous real-time visual feedback during the dissection process. As surgeons manipulate tissues during CCND, the system continuously displays the autofluorescence signal, allowing immediate detection of parathyroid position and preventing accidental removal through ongoing visual confirmation
3Reliability
If skilled surgeons are required to perform CCND to preserve parathyroid, then parathyroid safety is improved, but the accessibility and availability of the procedure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system acts as an intermediary that equalizes the playing field between skilled and less-skilled surgeons. By providing enhanced visual feedback through autofluorescence imaging, the system compensates for variations in surgical experience, allowing broader access to safe CCND procedures without compromising parathyroid preservation rates
Solution Approach 2:
The parathyroid tissue itself provides the identification signal through its inherent autofluorescence property. The tissue's biochemical characteristics enable self-identification without requiring external dyes or complex markers, making the procedure more accessible while maintaining high reliability across different surgical skill levels
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
The device effectively marks parathyroid glands in real-time, enabling surgeons to perform thyroidectomy more safely and accurately by differentiating them from surrounding tissues, with high sensitivity and specificity in identifying parathyroid autofluorescence.
Implementation Method 1
detects autofluorescence of a parathyroid emitted after being excited by the light source
Implementation Method 2
an excitation filter disposed in front of the light source
Implementation Method 3
an emission filter disposed in front of the detector
Implementation Method 4
a detector configured to detect an emission spectrum of the parathyroid excited by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a real-time parathyroid imaging device, and a real-time parathyroid imaging device for displaying only a parathyroid in a thyroid with a separate mark, the real-time parathyroid imaging device including: a light source configured to emit light to a thyroid and excite a parathyroid; a detector configured to detect an emission spectrum of the parathyroid excited and emitted by the light source; an excitation filter disposed in front of the light source; and an emission filter disposed in front of the detector. When central Compartment Neck Dissection (CCND) for thyroidectomy is performed, the present invention clearly marks a parathyroid by an autofluorescent image, thereby allowing a surgeon to more simply and safely perform the CCND while leaving the parathyroid.