pH-Sensing Surgical Tool for Real-Time Cancer Cell Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical methods lack the ability to distinguish cancerous cells from non-cancerous cells in real-time during surgery, leading to incomplete removal of tumors and the need for multiple surgical procedures, which can result in cancer recurrence.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus equipped with pH-sensitive sensors, such as bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or field effect transistor (FET) devices, that measure the local pH of tissue, allowing for real-time identification and removal of cancerous cells by distinguishing acidic cancerous tissue from non-cancerous tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical methods are used to remove tissue, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the ability to distinguish cancerous cells from non-cancerous cells in real-time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical visual inspection methods with electronic pH sensing technology. The pH sensor detects chemical properties (pH levels) of tissue that indicate cancerous cells, substituting the mechanical/visual system with an electronic detection system that provides real-time quantitative data about tissue acidity, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection precision and preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pH as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect the presence of cancerous cells. Instead of directly observing cellular characteristics, the system uses pH level measurements as a mediator to infer the presence of cancerous tissue, enabling real-time detection without losing critical diagnostic information.
2Reliability
If multiple surgical procedures are performed to ensure complete removal of cancerous tissue, then cancer recurrence can be reduced, but the time and cost of treatment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pH-based detection of cancerous cells during the initial surgical procedure itself, rather than waiting for post-surgical pathology results. This allows the surgeon to immediately identify and remove all cancerous tissue in one procedure, eliminating the need for multiple follow-up surgeries and significantly reducing treatment time while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring pH levels during surgery and immediately displaying results to the surgeon. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to adjust the surgical procedure in real-time, ensuring complete removal of cancerous tissue while avoiding unnecessary additional procedures, thereby reducing both treatment time and maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If pH sensors are integrated into the surgical apparatus, then real-time identification of cancerous tissue is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a surgical apparatus that combines multiple functions: tissue excision capabilities and integrated pH detection functionality. The single device performs both mechanical surgical operations and chemical sensing, eliminating the need for separate detection equipment and reducing overall system complexity while improving surgical efficiency through real-time feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pH sensing system with the surgical apparatus by integrating the sensor directly into the surgical tool. This combination consolidates detection and treatment functions into one unified device, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system while enabling real-time cancerous tissue identification during the surgical procedure.
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 precise, real-time identification and removal of cancerous cells, reducing the need for external laboratory testing and subsequent surgeries, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing medical costs.
Implementation Method 1
A surgical apparatus equipped with pH-sensitive sensors, such as bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or field effect transistor (FET) devices, that measure the local pH of tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods, systems, and apparatus for identification, detection, and removal of cancerous cells from a patient. The apparatus includes an apparatus handle. The apparatus also includes a display including a pH measurement result. The apparatus also includes an apparatus tip including a reference electrode and a plurality of sensing surfaces, wherein each of the plurality of sensing surfaces is connected to a base of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) device. The BJT device further includes a collector and an emitter. The apparatus also includes automation circuitry including a processing unit in communication with the apparatus tip and the display. The plurality of sensing surfaces includes a conducting material.