Low-Power RF Tissue Diagnosis via Impedance Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting disease-state tissue in-vivo, particularly in small passageways, face challenges due to limited visualization and the difficulty in accessing tissue below the surface.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize low-power RF energy to diagnose tissue by delivering energy through an electrode at a diagnosis site and monitoring the reflected energy to determine tissue impedance, which can indicate disease states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If imaging systems are made smaller to access small passageways, then accessibility is improved, but image definition and visualization quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical imaging systems with electromagnetic RF energy-based detection. Instead of using cameras and light to visualize tissue, the system uses RF energy transmission and reflection measurements to detect tissue impedance changes, eliminating the need for high-definition optical imaging in constrained spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF energy as an intermediary medium to probe tissue characteristics. Rather than directly visualizing tissue with cameras, the system uses RF energy as a mediator that interacts with tissue impedance, allowing indirect detection of disease states through reflected energy measurements.
2Ease of manufacture
If imaging systems focus on surface visualization, then direct visualization is achieved, but subsurface tissue detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface visualization to three-dimensional subsurface detection by utilizing the penetrating properties of RF energy. The RF energy can penetrate through tissue layers to reach and detect subsurface abnormalities, adding a depth dimension to the diagnostic capability that optical imaging cannot provide.
3Measurement precision
If high-power energy is delivered to tissue for diagnosis, then detection sensitivity is improved, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using low-power RF energy that is sufficient for detection purposes but insufficient to cause thermal damage. The system uses just enough energy to measure tissue impedance changes without exceeding the threshold that would result in coagulation or tissue destruction, thereby achieving diagnosis without harmful side effects.
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 approach allows for the detection of disease-state tissue, such as cancer, below the surface and in small passageways, by effectively measuring changes in tissue impedance through reflected RF energy, improving diagnostic accuracy and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
supplying an amount of low-power RF energy from an energy source to the energy emitting portion to diagnose tissue at the diagnosis site, a first portion of the amount of low-power RF energy being transmitted through the energy emitting portion to the tissue and a second portion of the amount of low-power RF energy being reflected back
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein relate to devices, systems and methods for in-vivo diagnosis of disease-state tissue within a body.