Intraoperative Radiation Probe with Integrated Orientation Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intraoperative radiation probes are complex, bulky, and expensive, limiting accessibility, as they rely on external orientation-tracking systems to record and display radiation count-rate mappings, making it difficult for surgeons to efficiently locate radio-labeled organs during procedures like sentinel lymph node biopsies.

Innovation Solution

An integrated orientation-tracking technology within a handheld radiation probe generates radiation-orientation mapping images, allowing surgeons to track and visualize radiation count-rates in real-time without external navigation systems, guiding the identification and localization of radio-labeled organs during procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external orientation-tracking systems are used to record and display radiation count-rate mappings, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation count-rate mapping precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the radiation detector, orientation tracking sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer), and processing unit into a single integrated handheld probe. This merging eliminates the need for separate external orientation-tracking systems while maintaining the capability to record and display radiation count-rate mappings with proper spatial orientation context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld probe is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting radiation count-rates, tracking spatial orientation, recording mapping data, and displaying results. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple separate systems (radiation detector + external orientation tracking + recording equipment).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If external orientation-tracking systems are used to record and display radiation count-rate mappings, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation count-rate mapping precisionVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated probe contains all necessary components (sensors, processor, display) to perform orientation tracking and mapping independently, without requiring external navigation systems. This self-contained design reduces system cost by eliminating the need for separate expensive external tracking infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient and accurate identification of radio-labeled organs by providing real-time radiation-orientation mapping, reducing the complexity and cost of the system while improving accessibility and reducing false negative rates in sentinel lymph node biopsies.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation detector such as scintillation or semiconductor radiation detection technologies sensitive to ionizing radiations such as gamma-rays or beta particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonizing radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

scintillation or semiconductor radiation detection technologies sensitive to ionizing radiations such as gamma-rays or beta particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentUS12102461B2Intraoperative radiation probe system with radiation-orientation mapping

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 FARSONI ABDOLLAH T

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to cancer surgery through intraoperative radio-guided procedures such as localization of sentinel lymph nodes and tumors in patients with breast cancer and melanoma. More specifically, it relates to an intraoperative radiation probe system with a standalone orientation tracking capability to further guide the surgeon in identifying and locating radio-labeled organs in human body through radiation-orientation mapping.