Integrated Peroperative Probe for Tumor Localization and Excision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for treating cancerous tumors lack precision and efficiency, particularly in locating and excising small tumors and their metastases, due to limitations in preoperative imaging, tissue sampling, and existing peroperative imaging systems that do not allow simultaneous detection and excision.
Innovation Solution
A peroperative probe is developed that integrates a detection head with an excision tool, enabling real-time detection and ablation of tumors using fluorescent molecules and radioactive tracers, and can be coupled with neuronavigation systems for precise tumor localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate detection and excision tools are used sequentially, then the surgeon can locate and treat tumors, but correlation errors occur between detected and actual tumor positions reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection head and excision tool into a single integrated probe. The detection head with optical fibers for detecting fluorescent molecules and radioactive tracers is merged with the excision tool (ultrasound aspiration device or electric lancet), allowing simultaneous detection and treatment at the same location, thereby eliminating correlation errors between separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe acts as an intermediary that bridges detection and excision functions. By incorporating both detection optical fibers and excision capabilities in one tool, it mediates between the need for precise tumor localization and accurate excision, ensuring that the detected tumor position directly corresponds to the treatment location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for detection and excision, then comprehensive tumor treatment is achieved, but device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated probe performs multiple functions within a single device. It can detect fluorescent molecules, detect radioactive tracers, and perform excision (ultrasound aspiration or electric lancet), making it a universal tool that replaces multiple separate instruments while maintaining comprehensive tumor treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges detection functions (optical fibers for fluorescent and radioactive detection) with excision functions (ultrasound aspiration or electric lancet) into one integrated probe, reducing the number of separate instruments from two or more to a single multi-functional device.
3Reliability
If tissue samples are analyzed extemporaneously during surgery, then reliable anatomopathological diagnosis is obtained, but surgical procedure time significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical process of extemporaneous tissue sampling and pathological analysis with a real-time optical and radioactive detection system. Fluorescent molecules and radioactive tracers provide immediate visual feedback during surgery, substituting the time-consuming laboratory analysis process with instantaneous detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluorescent molecules and radioactive tracers are administered to the patient before surgery (preliminary action), allowing them to accumulate in tumor tissues beforehand. This pre-positioning of detection markers enables real-time identification during surgery without needing to wait for post-sampling analysis.
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 integrated system allows for more precise and rapid tumor excision by eliminating correlation errors between detected and actual tumor positions, enhancing specificity and reducing the need for multiple instruments, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a signal emitted by fluorescent molecules in a tissue area, in response to a light excitation signal
Implementation Method 2
The signals are particles or radiation emitted by radioactive tracers or fluorescent molecules present in the tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a peroperative probe for guiding a manual excision tool, comprising: a detection head, a least one optical fibre for the reception and guidance of a signal emitted by at least of radioactive tracers and fluorescent molecules in a tissue area, at least one photo-detector for converting the signal guided by the optical fibre into an electrical signal, a transmitter for transmitting information carried by the electrical signal to an analysis equipment, and a fastener for attaching the probe onto the manual excision tool, so that the excision tool is then adapted for removing a portion of tissue from the tissue area emitting the signal.