Raman Spectroscopy Probe With Retractable Wave Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tissue examination methods are invasive, time-consuming, and heavily reliant on human judgment, with limited accuracy due to manual processing and staining techniques, which can affect diagnosis quality.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a retractable wave coupling element and pressure modifier, capable of inserting a hypodermic needle-like conduit into tissue for electromagnetic radiation testing, allowing for precise positioning and efficient data collection using Raman spectroscopy, with a reusable body portion and disposable tip for improved accuracy and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wave coupling element is extended outside the conduit during insertion, then it can immediately contact tissue for measurement, but the tip is likely to be damaged or contaminated by subcutaneous fluid or tissue which impairs wave coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wave coupling element is designed to be movable relative to the conduit, transitioning between a retracted position (during insertion) and a deployed position (during measurement). This dynamic configuration allows the system to protect the tip during insertion while enabling contact with tissue for measurement during the measurement phase, resolving the contradiction between tip protection and measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is inserted into the tissue first to establish the measurement location, and only after proper positioning is the wave coupling element deployed from the conduit. This preliminary action of inserting the conduit before deploying the wave coupling element ensures the tip is protected during the most vulnerable phase (insertion) while still enabling measurement at the correct location.
2Reliability
If the tip of the wave coupling element is spaced from the conduit opening, then it is protected during insertion, but the distance reduces the efficiency of electromagnetic radiation transmission to the target tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The wave coupling element's position is dynamically adjusted based on the operational phase: during insertion, the element is retracted with spacing from the conduit opening to protect the tip; during measurement, the element is deployed to minimize spacing and maximize electromagnetic radiation transmission efficiency to the target tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe system is segmented into the conduit (insertion component) and the wave coupling element (measurement component). This segmentation allows the conduit to perform the insertion function while protecting the wave coupling element, which is then deployed separately to perform the measurement function with optimal positioning for electromagnetic radiation transmission.
3Measurement precision
If conventional tissue examination methods are used with manual processing and staining, then detailed tissue analysis can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and heavily reliant on human judgment with limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and chemical processes of conventional histopathology (fixation, staining, mounting) with an optical-based Raman spectroscopy system. The probe delivers electromagnetic radiation directly to tissue and collects scattered light for spectral analysis, eliminating the need for manual processing and staining while providing rapid, objective molecular characterization of tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically processing and visually examining tissue samples through multiple preparation steps, the system creates an optical copy of the tissue's molecular signature through Raman spectroscopy. The spectral data captures molecular information that can be analyzed computationally, providing diagnostic information without requiring physical tissue manipulation or human visual assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A probe, such as a spectroscopic probe, for enabling a fluid or tissue sample to be tested in situ. The probe includes a conduit, such as a hypodermic needle, that can be inserted into a test subject and a wave coupling arranged to direct electromagnetic radiation, such as light, from an energy source to the sample and/or from the sample to a receiver for analysis. The receiver may comprise a Raman spectroscope. The probe may include a carriage that can be used to move at least some of the optical coupling towards and away from the insertion tip of the conduit. The probe may include a pressure modifier that can be used to draw fluid into or expel fluid from the conduit.