Orthogonal Reflector Switching for Precise 3D Lesion Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lesion localization during surgical procedures, such as lumpectomy, are limited by the movement or migration of localization wires or seeds, providing inadequate three-dimensional guidance and precision, leading to incomplete removal of lesions or unnecessary removal of healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
Implantable reflectors or markers within the body that utilize orthogonal sequences of electromagnetic signal modulation and light pulse synchronization to facilitate precise localization through a probe that transmits and receives electromagnetic signals, allowing simultaneous identification and location of multiple markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire is inserted into the breast for localization, then the lesion location can be identified, but the wire may move between placement and surgery causing inaccurate localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire localization system with an electromagnetic field-based system. A probe generates electromagnetic signals that interact with reflectors implanted near the lesion, eliminating the need for mechanical wires that can migrate. The electromagnetic field allows non-contact, stable localization throughout the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflectors as intermediary elements that mediate between the probe and the lesion. These reflectors are positioned near the lesion and modulate electromagnetic signals, providing stable reference points for localization without requiring direct mechanical contact with the lesion itself.
2Measurement precision
If a radioactive seed is placed for localization, then the seed position can be identified using gamma probe, but the seed may migrate within the body and provides limited three-dimensional precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive seed localization method with an electromagnetic reflection system. Instead of relying on radioactive emissions that require external detection, the system uses electromagnetic signals reflected from implanted markers, providing more stable and controllable localization without radiation concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe transmits periodic electromagnetic signals that are reflected by the reflectors. This periodic transmission allows for continuous monitoring and precise measurement of reflector positions, enabling real-time localization guidance during the surgical procedure.
3Loss of information
If two-dimensional imaging is used for lesion identification, then the lesion location can be confirmed, but it provides limited three-dimensional guidance for surgical dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional localization by using multiple reflectors positioned at different depths and locations around the lesion. The probe measures signal characteristics from multiple reflectors to calculate their spatial positions in three dimensions, providing comprehensive spatial guidance for surgical dissection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during surgery by continuously measuring the positions of reflectors relative to the probe. This feedback allows the surgeon to adjust dissection depth and direction based on actual spatial relationships, improving precision beyond what static preoperative images can provide.
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
Provides accurate, three-dimensional localization of lesions by processing reflected signals with orthogonal code sequences, ensuring complete removal of targeted tissue while minimizing healthy tissue removal.
Implementation Method 1
Each marker may include an energy converter configured to transform the light pulses from the energy source into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a probe comprising one or more antennas for transmitting electromagnetic signals into a patient's body and receiving reflected signals from the patient's body
Implementation Method 3
the sequence generator coupled to the switch to open and close the switch to modulate electromagnetic signals from the probe reflected by the marker based on the code sequence
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for identifying and locating a plurality of reflector markers implanted within a target tissue region within a patient's body. A probe is provided that is activated to transmit electromagnetic signals into the patient's body, receive reflected signals from the patient's body, and in synchronization with transmitting the electromagnetic signals, deliver light pulses into the patient's body. The markers reflector tags modulate reflected signals from the respective markers based on orthogonal code sequences opening and closing respective switches of the markers to modulate the reflective properties of the markers. The probe processes the return signals to separate the reflected signals based at least in part on the code sequences to identify and locate each of the plurality of reflector tags substantially simultaneously.