Real-Time Fluorescent Needle Probes for Surgical Placement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in accurately placing surgical instruments due to operator dependency on tactile feel and image-guided modalities, leading to risks of iatrogenic injuries such as dural tears, spinal fluid leaks, and nerve damage, especially in complex anatomical regions like the spinal canal.

Innovation Solution

A real-time fluorescent probe system integrated with a needle, featuring a fluorescent coating and an ion-consuming coating, coupled with a fiber optic waveguide, provides precise detection of biomarkers like blood by sensing luminescent emissions, offering real-time feedback for instrument placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operator-dependent tactile feel and image-guided modalities are used for instrument placement, then procedural flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to operator skill variability and anatomic variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument placement precisionVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorescent probe is nested within the needle structure, with the fiber optic waveguide integrated into the needle shaft and the fluorescent coating applied to the needle tip or inner surface. This nesting allows the detection system to be incorporated into the surgical instrument without requiring separate external devices, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces operator-dependent mechanical tactile feel with an optical detection system. The fluorescent probe detects biomarkers optically rather than mechanically, substituting the mechanical sensing method with an optical one that provides more precise and objective measurements independent of operator skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If real-time fluorescent detection is implemented, then reliability of instrument placement improves, but device complexity increases due to additional coatings and optical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument placement reliabilityVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated probe structure. The needle serves both as the surgical instrument for tissue access and as the housing for the fluorescent detection system. The fiber optic waveguide, fluorescent coating, and needle structure are combined into one unified device, improving reliability while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical needle is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its traditional purpose of tissue penetration and fluid delivery while simultaneously functioning as a platform for fluorescent biomarker detection. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate detection equipment and managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional operator-dependent methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but measurement precision and safety deteriorate due to inability to detect critical structures in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveiatrogenic injury riskVSAvoiddetection automation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorescent probe provides real-time feedback during the surgical procedure by detecting biomarkers such as blood or CSF. This immediate feedback allows the operator to adjust instrument placement before causing harm, significantly reducing the risk of iatrogenic injuries. The automated detection and real-time signaling create a feedback loop that enhances safety without requiring high levels of operator automation skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances surgical precision and safety by reducing reliance on operator skill, minimizing complications, and ensuring accurate placement of instruments in anatomical structures.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

coupled with a fiber optic waveguide, provides precise detection of biomarkers like blood by sensing luminescent emissions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentEP4081785B1Real time fluorescent detection systems for medical devices

Publication Date: 2025.07.09 ACIES MEDICAL LLC

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AI summary

A probe for real-time sensing of a target biomarker the includes a needle, a luminescent probe within the opening of the needle, a coating comprising a biomarker luminescent material in contact with biological tissue, and an ion-consuming coating within the needle and adjacent to the coating. The disclosed probe is useful for real-time sensing of blood during medical procedures. Additionally, a biomarker detection system is disclosed that includes a biomarker luminescent material at the tip of or inside of the tip of a needle and an optical coupler.