Preoperative Probe with Fiber Optic Sensing Head for Tumor Excision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for treating cancerous tumors, particularly those requiring precise location and excision of small tumors and metastatic disseminations, face challenges such as inaccurate tissue location due to tissue displacement during surgery and the need for costly and time-consuming tissue sampling, as well as limitations in existing functional preoperative imaging systems that do not allow simultaneous tumor location and excision.
Innovation Solution
A preoperative probe is coupled with an excision tool, enabling simultaneous detection and ablation of tumors using a detection head that measures signals from fluorescent molecules and radioactive tracers, providing real-time feedback and improved precision by correlating the tumor's position with anatomical structures, thus allowing for precise and rapid tumor excision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If preoperative imaging techniques are used to locate tumors before surgery, then the anatomical topography of the tumorous volume can be precisely identified, but the location becomes obsolete due to tissue displacement during the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing tumor location and characterization before surgery using MRI with targeted contrast agents. The system identifies and maps tumor regions, vascular structures, and functional areas preoperatively, creating a detailed anatomical and functional map that guides subsequent surgical intervention. This preliminary mapping allows surgeons to plan incision paths and resection boundaries based on accurate preoperative data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through intraoperative monitoring systems that provide real-time information during surgery. Functional monitoring techniques measure physiological parameters such as blood flow, oxygenation, and electrical activity to confirm tumor margins and identify critical structures during the procedure. This feedback loop allows dynamic adjustment of surgical strategy based on actual intraoperative conditions, compensating for tissue displacement.
2Reliability
If tissue samples are taken during operation for extemporaneous analysis, then the quality of the operating procedure can be ensured, but the surgical procedure time significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive tumor characterization before surgery through MRI with multiple contrast agents and sequences. The preoperative workup includes T1-weighted, T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and perfusion imaging to fully characterize the tumor's anatomical, cellular, and vascular properties. This extensive preoperative assessment reduces the need for intraoperative tissue sampling and analysis, thereby minimizing surgical time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tissue sampling with non-invasive imaging and functional monitoring techniques. Instead of physically extracting tissue samples for pathological analysis, the system uses MRI-based molecular imaging and intraoperative physiological monitoring to obtain diagnostic information. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming steps of tissue extraction, processing, and pathological analysis while maintaining or improving diagnostic reliability.
3Measurement precision
If standard anatomical imaging systems are used in operating suites, then real-time monitoring of anatomical structures is possible, but the systems are expensive and complex to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential imaging and monitoring functions from complex, expensive standalone systems and integrates them into a coordinated workflow using portable or intraoperative-compatible devices. Rather than deploying full-scale MRI or CT scanners in the operating room, the system uses targeted contrast agents with standard imaging equipment and combines preoperative imaging data with simplified intraoperative monitoring, extracting only the necessary functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional system that combines anatomical imaging, functional monitoring, and surgical guidance capabilities in an integrated platform. The same imaging infrastructure and contrast agents used for preoperative diagnosis are leveraged for intraoperative monitoring, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment. The system serves multiple purposes: tumor localization, margin identification, functional preservation, and surgical navigation, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
4Measurement precision
If functional preoperative techniques with miniaturized detection devices are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the ability to simultaneously perform excision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges detection and excision functions into a unified surgical workflow. The system integrates MRI-based molecular imaging for sensitive tumor detection with surgical navigation and resection tools in a coordinated system. Contrast agents that bind to specific tumor markers enable highly sensitive detection, while the integrated platform provides real-time guidance for precise excision, allowing both functions to be performed in sequence within the same surgical session without requiring separate procedures or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the detection-excision workflow without interruption. The imaging and monitoring systems operate continuously throughout the surgical procedure, providing uninterrupted real-time feedback on tumor location and margins. This continuous monitoring allows the surgical team to proceed seamlessly from detection to excision to verification, eliminating gaps where the surgical flow might be interrupted for separate imaging or analysis sessions.
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 solution enhances the precision and speed of tumor excision by eliminating correlation errors between detected and actual tumor positions, providing real-time monitoring, and increasing the specificity of tumor detection through complementary signal measurement, 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
measuring a signal emitted by radioactive tracers in a tissue area
Implementation Method 3
a light source adapted to emit light and to excite the fluorescent molecules
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a preoperative probe (2) for guiding an ablation tool, comprising a sensing head (21), said sensing head including: at least one optic fiber (2121, 2123) for receiving and guiding a signal emitted, by radioactive tracers and/or fluorescent molecules in a tissue zone, to an analyzing equipment (32), fixing means (2112) for mounting the head (21) on the ablation tool (1), such that the ablation tool is capable of extracting a portion of tissue in the tissue zone emitting the signal.