Phase-Resolved OCT for Targeted Sperm Retrieval in Testicular Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying viable sperm in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) testes are inefficient, with a success rate of 50% at best, and involve excessive tissue removal due to reliance on visual cues, necessitating a more effective method for sperm detection.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage process using phase-resolved optical coherence tomography (OCT) for volumetric imaging and M-mode scanning to identify motile sperm within seminiferous tubules, enhancing sperm retrieval by distinguishing tubules with high attenuation and phase variance, and optionally using visible light to increase motility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual cues based surgical microdissection is used to identify sperm-containing tubules, then the procedure can be performed with current surgical techniques, but the success rate is limited to 50% and excessive tissue must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an intermediary imaging modality between the surgeon and the testicular tissue. OCT provides real-time, non-invasive visualization of sperm-containing tubules through optical attenuation measurements, allowing the surgeon to identify target tubules without removing excessive tissue. The OCT system acts as a mediator that translates internal tissue characteristics into visible images for surgical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection method with an optical imaging system. Instead of relying on the surgeon's visual cues from the outer surface, the system uses OCT optical beams to penetrate and image the internal structure of seminiferous tubules. This substitution of mechanical visual search with optical coherence tomography enables precise identification of sperm-containing tubules while minimizing tissue removal.
2Reliability
If extensive tissue dissection is performed to ensure sperm retrieval, then sperm can be found, but procedure time increases and patient trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using OCT to pre-identify and mark sperm-containing tubules before the actual dissection begins. The system performs volumetric imaging and attenuation analysis in advance to create a map of target tubules, allowing the surgeon to proceed directly to the identified locations without time-consuming exploration. This preliminary identification phase ensures high retrieval success while minimizing subsequent dissection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT system provides real-time feedback during the surgical procedure by continuously monitoring optical attenuation and phase variance. The system updates the identification of sperm-containing tubules based on live imaging data, allowing the surgeon to adjust the dissection plan dynamically. This feedback mechanism ensures that the procedure remains efficient and successful without requiring excessive tissue removal or extended operation time.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection of outer surface is used to guide dissection, then current surgical equipment can be used, but the ability to positively identify sperm presence within tubules is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual inspection of the outer surface to three-dimensional volumetric imaging using OCT. The system acquires volumetric data and performs en face reconstruction to visualize the internal structure of seminiferous tubules in multiple dimensions. This dimensional transition allows the surgeon to assess sperm presence within tubules based on optical attenuation patterns, significantly improving identification accuracy while maintaining procedural simplicity through integrated imaging guidance.
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
Increases the likelihood of successful sperm retrieval while minimizing tissue removal, improving the success rate and reducing procedure time and side effects.
Implementation Method 1
optical coherence tomography (OCT) for volumetric imaging and M-mode scanning to identify motile sperm within seminiferous tubules
Implementation Method 2
distinguishing tubules with high attenuation and phase variance
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the methods include volumetrically imaging testicular tissue by optical coherence tomography to identify a testicular tissue location that is likely to contain sperm; and m-mode scanning using optical coherence tomography the identified testicular location to determine whether sperm are at least likely to be present at the location. Methods may further include harvesting sperm from the location, e.g., for use in in vitro fertilization. Also provided are devices and systems for practicing the methods.