Photoacoustic Bone Mapper for Real-Time Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring bone tissue composition and density are limited by exposure to radiation, high costs, accessibility issues, and inability to accurately detect microstructural changes, leading to inadequate detection of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexing imaging system that combines hybrid multi-wavelength photoacoustic measurements with other imaging modalities like x-ray, ultrasound, and CT scans to provide real-time, accurate diagnosis of bone conditions through a single device, generating three-dimensional maps of bone tissue without radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods like x-ray, CT scans are used to monitor bone tissue, then bone density and structure can be visualized, but radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging mechanisms (x-ray, CT) with a mechanical/acoustic mechanism using photoacoustic imaging. The system uses laser pulses to generate acoustic waves in tissue, which are then detected by ultrasound transducers to create images of bone and soft tissue without ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the imaging system by using optical absorption coefficients at multiple wavelengths to differentiate tissue types. By measuring light absorption at different wavelengths, the system can distinguish between bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels based on their unique spectral signatures.
2Measurement precision
If single-modality imaging devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic accuracy for complex bone conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities into a single integrated device. The photoacoustic imaging system combines optical excitation (laser) with acoustic detection (ultrasound transducers) to simultaneously obtain information about bone density, soft tissue composition, and vascularization in one imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed with universal functionality to detect multiple tissue types and physiological parameters simultaneously. The system can identify bone density, differentiate soft tissue composition, and visualize vascular structures using the same hardware platform, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging devices.
3Reliability
If conventional communication-based methods are used to prevent surgical errors, then simplicity is maintained, but error prevention effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by providing immediate visual display of bone and soft tissue structures during surgical procedures. The imaging system continuously monitors the surgical site and provides feedback to the surgeon about tissue composition and boundaries, enabling real-time decision-making to prevent errors such as wrong-site surgery or inadequate resection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mapping of the surgical site before the actual surgical intervention begins. By creating a three-dimensional map of bone and soft tissue structures in advance, the system allows surgeons to plan and verify their approach, ensuring correct site identification and adequate margin assessment before cutting or resecting tissue.
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 accurate, real-time assessment of bone conditions, reducing the risk of radiation exposure and costs, while providing detailed microstructural analysis for improved diagnostic accuracy during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
photoacoustic imaging system that uses hybrid multi-wavelength photoacoustic measurements
Implementation Method 2
combines hybrid multi-wavelength photoacoustic measurements with other imaging modalities like x-ray, ultrasound, and CT scans
Implementation Method 3
combines hybrid multi-wavelength photoacoustic measurements with other imaging modalities like x-ray, ultrasound, and CT scans
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing real-time analysis of bone tissue during a surgical procedure are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving at least one measurement of at least one tissue sample from a hybrid multi-wavelength photoacoustic measurements (MWPM) component. The method can also include identifying one or more reference cases, from a plurality of reference cases, based on correlations between the at least one measurement and previous measurements in each of the plurality of reference cases. Once the reference cases are identified, the method can include determining at least one bone condition of the patient and sending the at least one determined bone condition to a computing device accessible by a surgeon. In some embodiments, the method also includes creating a three-dimensional (3D) map the tissue sample using the at least one measurement and sending the 3D map to the computing device.