Plasma Applicator Tissue Analysis via Effluent Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tissue removal and analysis in cancer treatment lack the ability to differentiate between malignant and normal tissues in real-time, making it difficult to determine safe treatment margins effectively.
Innovation Solution
A plasma-based system that generates a plasma plume for tissue treatment and analysis, combining a power source, ionizable media source, and a spectrometer to identify tissue types through the analysis of plasma effluent, which includes a plasma applicator, effluent-collection attachment, and a spectrometer system for real-time data output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tissue removal methods are used, then tissue can be removed, but real-time differentiation between malignant and normal tissues cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines plasma generation, effluent collection, and spectral analysis into an integrated system. The plasma applicator removes tissue while the collection attachment simultaneously captures effluent, and the spectrometer analyzes it in real-time, eliminating sequential processing delays and enabling concurrent treatment and diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary spectral analysis of plasma effluent during the tissue removal process itself. By analyzing the chemical composition of vaporized tissue components as they are released, the system determines tissue characteristics before the removal is complete, enabling real-time differentiation without waiting for post-procedure analysis.
2Productivity
If plasma is used for tissue removal, then rapid material removal is achieved, but real-time tissue analysis capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer provides real-time feedback on tissue composition by analyzing plasma effluent spectral signatures. This information is immediately available during the plasma treatment process, allowing the operator to adjust treatment parameters based on real-time tissue characterization without interrupting the high-speed removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma effluent serves as an intermediary carrier that contains chemical information from the treated tissue. The effluent collection attachment captures this information-rich plasma byproduct, and the spectrometer decodes the tissue type information from the effluent's spectral composition, enabling analysis without direct contact with the tissue itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for tissue removal and analysis, then comprehensive treatment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma applicator system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a tissue removal device and as a sample preparation mechanism for analysis. The same plasma field that ablates tissue also vaporizes and ionizes effluent components, creating a dual-purpose system that reduces the need for separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The effluent collection attachment is nested within or integrated with the plasma applicator structure. The collection system is positioned to capture effluent directly at the plasma-tissue interface, nesting the analysis function within the treatment device itself and minimizing the number of separate components required.
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 rapid and accurate differentiation between malignant and normal tissues, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of treatment margins, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical discharges in dense media, such as liquids and gases at or near atmospheric pressure, can, under appropriate conditions, result in plasma formation. Plasmas have the unique ability to create large amounts of chemical species, such as ions, radicals, electrons, excited-state (e.g., metastable) species, molecular fragments, photons
Implementation Method 2
LIBS uses a pulsed laser in conjunction with one or more focusing lenses to create a spark on the surface of the tissue. The resulting optical emission produced by the spark is then analyzed by a spectrometer system. In particular, LIBS excites electrons via a laser, and the electron decay is then detected in an optical spectrometer
Implementation Method 3
Prior to analysis, the sample is ionized, for example, via a high voltage electrode, and the ions are then accelerated in an electric field to a detector
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for treating and analyzing tissue includes a plasma applicator having a housing. The housing includes a substantially tubular shape and defines a lumen therethrough. The lumen is in fluid communication with an ionizable media source configured to supply ionizable media thereto. The applicator also includes one or more electrodes coupled to the housing. The electrodes are adapted to couple to a power source configured to energize the electrodes to ignite the ionizable media to form a plasma plume for treating tissue. The device also includes an effluent-collection attachment coupled to the plasma applicator. The effluent-collection attachment is configured to collect a portion of a plasma effluent.