Segmented Biopsy Needle for Tissue Impedance Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for lung and kidney cancers often fail to detect cancer in early stages due to variations in lesion size, location, and the inability to accurately confirm biopsy needle location, leading to challenges in diagnosing and treating cancer effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with electroconductive segments and a processor system that measures tissue impedance by navigating a needle device with multiple electrodes to characterize tissue as malignant or benign, using electrical signals and impedance values to determine tissue properties and guide biopsy or treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional biopsy methods are used to diagnose cancer, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the diagnostic yield is low due to inability to accurately confirm needle location and differentiate malignant from benign tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The needle device is divided into multiple electroconductive segments along its length, with each segment electrically insulated from adjacent segments. This segmentation allows for multiple independent impedance measurement points along the needle, enabling precise localization and characterization of tissue properties at different depths and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle device integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a biopsy sampling tool and an electrical impedance sensing tool. The electroconductive segments function as electrodes for impedance measurement while the needle maintains its mechanical function for tissue penetration and sample extraction, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electroconductive segments are added to the needle device for impedance measurement, then tissue characterization capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electroconductive segments are nested within an insulating coating or matrix that protects the electrical components while maintaining the needle's mechanical integrity. This nested structure allows multiple functional elements to be integrated into a single cohesive device, simplifying assembly and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle device utilizes composite construction combining conductive materials (for electroconductive segments) with insulating materials (for coating or spacing structures). This composite approach enables simultaneous electrical functionality and mechanical strength while simplifying the manufacturing process through integrated material properties.
3Measurement precision
If electroconductive segments are placed close together for detailed tissue analysis, then measurement resolution is improved, but electrical interference between segments increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical insulation is extracted as a separate functional layer between the electroconductive segments, physically separating the electrical fields of adjacent segments. This insulation layer prevents capacitive coupling and electrical interference while maintaining the close spatial positioning needed for high-resolution tissue impedance mapping.
4Reliability
If the needle device includes insulating segments between electroconductive segments, then electrical isolation is improved, but mechanical strength and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A continuous insulating coating or thin film is applied over the electroconductive segments, providing reliable electrical isolation while maintaining the needle's mechanical strength. This thin film structure ensures electrical reliability without creating weak points that would compromise structural integrity.
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
Enables accurate characterization of tissue impedance to differentiate between malignant and benign tissues, facilitating early detection and improved patient outcomes by providing a method to measure and analyze bioelectric properties across larger tissue regions.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode and the second electrode are each configured to provide an electrical signal, and the processor is configured to determine a tissue impedance value based on the electrical signals associated with the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method for characterizing a tissue of interest may include navigating a needle device in proximity to the tissue of interest. The needle device can comprise a member including a plurality of electroconductive segments. The plurality of electroconductive segments can be electrically insulated from one another. The device can also include a first conductive path electrically coupled to a first electroconductive segment. A second conductive path can be coupled to a second electroconductive segment. The method can include contacting the tissue of interest with the first electrode and determining a tissue impedance of the tissue of interest from an electrical signal from the first electrode. The method can also include characterizing the tissue of interest as malignant or benign based on the tissue impedance.