Scintillating Fiber Probe for Radioguided Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radioguided surgical probes face challenges in distinguishing between useful detection radiation and background radiation, particularly in locating small radioactive sources in biological tissues, due to the long range of γ radiation and interference from Compton diffusion, which hinders accurate detection of tumoral areas.
Innovation Solution
The method employs scintillating fibers with a specific length-to-range ratio and directional sensitivity to selectively detect charged or neutral particles, such as positrons, by correlating scintillation light output with a threshold energy, effectively discriminating between radiation from the target and background, and using a compact device with a photosensor for real-time analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If γ radiation detection is used in radioguided surgery, then the detection range is extended, but the background radiation increases making it difficult to differentiate tumoral areas from healthy tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The probe divides the detection space into two opposing detection zones using two detectors positioned on opposite sides of the material. This segmentation allows the system to detect radiation from specific directions and differentiate between background radiation and radiation from targeted tumoral areas through spatial discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different detection characteristics to different spatial regions. By positioning detectors on opposite sides and analyzing the directional differences in radiation detection, the system creates localized detection sensitivity that enhances tumoral area identification while suppressing background radiation from other regions.
2Measurement precision
If peroperative manual probes are used for detecting β radiation, then the sensitivity for locating focused cancerous areas is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two detectors into a single integrated probe assembly, merging the detection functions while maintaining the ability to detect β radiation with high sensitivity. This consolidation reduces device complexity compared to using separate detection systems while preserving the enhanced localization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point detection to multi-directional detection by positioning detectors on opposite sides of the material. This dimensional approach allows the probe to detect β radiation from multiple directions simultaneously, enhancing sensitivity for locating focused cancerous areas while maintaining a compact probe structure.
3Area of stationary object
If Compton diffusion is present in the detection process, then the detection coverage is increased, but the accuracy of detecting close radiolabelled tumoral areas decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of Compton diffusion into a useful diagnostic tool. By detecting Compton electrons produced through Compton scattering and analyzing their directional characteristics, the system can differentiate between radiation from tumoral areas and background radiation, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining broad coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system dynamically analyzes radiation detection signals from two opposing detectors, adjusting the interpretation based on the directional distribution of detected radiation. This dynamic analysis allows the system to maintain high accuracy in detecting close radiolabelled tumoral areas even when Compton diffusion increases the overall detection coverage.
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 enhances the sensitivity and selectivity of radioguided surgical practices, allowing for precise localization of small tumoral areas, improving the accuracy of cancer detection and treatment by reducing background noise and enabling non-invasive applications.
Implementation Method 1
scintillating fibers with a specific length-to-range ratio and directional sensitivity to selectively detect charged or neutral particles, such as positrons, by correlating scintillation light output with a threshold energy
Implementation Method 2
using a compact device with a photosensor for real-time analysis
Implementation Method 3
effectively discriminating between radiation from the target and background, and using a compact device with a photosensor for real-time analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting and/or analyzing a radioactive source emitting charged or neutral particles in a biological tissue, consisting essentially in using scintillating fibers having particular ratios of length or diameter to range of the particles emitted by the source; scanning the surface of the material with the detection rod; collecting by means of a SiPM, the scintillation light output generated by the particles having interacted with the scintillating fibers and emitted at the outlet end; optionally selecting signals corresponding to the particles entering the scintillating fibers in a substantially axial direction, that eliminates the particles from certain angles between the axis of the scintillating fiber and the direction of the particles entering the scintillating fiber, correlating the scintillation light output and the selected signals to the presence of a source of radiation located in the material to be analyzed; and optionally communicating these data to the user.