Finger-Worn Prostate Measurement Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting prostate problems, including cancer, lack accuracy and repeatability, with digital rectal examinations being subjective and ultrasound systems being expensive and difficult to master, leading to inadequate prostate volume measurement and increased risk of invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A prostate measurement system featuring a medical assembly worn on the finger, which collects data during a digital rectal examination and applies a proprietary algorithm to calculate prostate volume, providing a sterile and minimally invasive means for accurate prostate health assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional digital rectal examination is used to measure prostate dimensions, then the examination can be performed easily and inexpensively, but the measurement precision and repeatability are poor due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
A disposable sterile barrier is introduced as an intermediary between the measurement assembly and the patient's anatomy. This barrier maintains sterility while allowing tactile feedback to pass through, enabling accurate prostate surface mapping without direct contact between the reusable assembly and patient tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces subjective manual palpation with an automated mechanical measurement assembly that systematically maps the prostate surface. The assembly uses mechanical sensors to detect prostate contours and calculates volume through algorithmic processing, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining ease of use.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound systems are used to diagnose prostate problems, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the system becomes expensive and requires difficult-to-master technology with a time-consuming learning curve
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement assembly is designed to be self-guiding during the examination process. The assembly automatically tracks the prostate surface as it is moved across the anatomical area, requiring minimal operator skill. The system performs its own measurement calculations and provides results without requiring the operator to interpret complex imaging data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential measurement function from complex ultrasound systems. By focusing solely on prostate surface mapping and volume calculation, it eliminates the need for expensive imaging equipment and specialized training while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy for clinical decision-making.
3Reliability
If conventional digital rectal examination is used, then no expensive equipment is needed, but the subjective nature of the examination makes comparisons from exam to exam very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement assembly incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback about prostate surface contact and pressure. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent measurement pressure and contact points across multiple examinations, enabling reliable comparisons. The system also provides visual or digital feedback to confirm proper probe placement and measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms subjective tactile impressions into objective numerical parameters including prostate volume, surface area, and dimensional measurements. These quantified parameters can be directly compared across multiple examinations and patients, eliminating the subjectivity inherent in conventional descriptive assessments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a prostate measurement system including an improved medical assembly allowing for the accurate measurement of a patient's prostate to be subsequently used in determining whether the patient is at increased risk of having prostate cancer or other prostate-related issues.