Wireless SiPM Gamma Camera for Rapid Lymph Node Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio-guided surgery methods for lymph node biopsy are inefficient and time-consuming, requiring manual search and reliance on surgeon experience, especially for cancers like lymph, breast, and lung, necessitating a device for rapid, external localization of lymph nodes and improved quantitative identification of multiple nodes.
Innovation Solution
A portable, wireless gamma and beta radiation camera using a position-sensitive Silicon Photomultiplier detector with a scintillator array, capable of generating real-time medium-resolution images, and employing machine learning for gamma reconstruction, allowing external localization and quantitative identification of lymph nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual probe search is used to locate lymph nodes, then the surgeon can identify radio-active nodes, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical probe-based manual search system with an optical imaging system using a camera and scintillator detector. The camera captures gamma radiation emitted by radio-tracer injected lymph nodes, converting mechanical exploration into optical detection that provides simultaneous multi-point visualization, thereby reducing search time while maintaining localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear probe scanning to two-dimensional camera field-of-view imaging. By capturing radiation across a broader spatial dimension, the system visualizes multiple lymph nodes simultaneously in the surgical field, eliminating the need for sequential probe movement and significantly reducing search time
2Measurement precision
If CT/SPECT/PET scan is performed before surgery to identify lymph nodes, then the radio-target can be located, but the nodes move during surgery requiring re-localization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by injecting radio-tracer into the patient before surgery begins, allowing lymph nodes to accumulate the tracer. The intraoperative camera then detects this pre-established radioactivity signature, ensuring that the identified nodes are the correct targets even as tissues move during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements real-time feedback by continuously capturing gamma radiation signals during surgery. The camera provides immediate visual feedback of radio-active lymph node positions, allowing the surgeon to track moving nodes dynamically and maintain accurate localization throughout the procedure
3Productivity
If probe search is performed without prior knowledge of node position and activity, then all nodes can be searched, but the procedure becomes complicated and surgeon experience is heavily dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The camera creates a visual copy or map of the radiation distribution in the surgical field. By capturing and displaying the spatial pattern of gamma radiation, the system provides a simplified representation that shows node positions and relative activities, replacing complex manual search procedures with intuitive image-based navigation that reduces dependence on surgeon experience
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 rapid, external localization of lymph nodes and improved identification of multiple nodes, reducing anesthesia duration and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
position sensitive Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) detector, coupled with scintillator array
Implementation Method 2
position sensitive Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) detector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Wireless Portable imaging device comprising a detection module for collecting data destined to recreate a target image, a processing unit for processing the data collected by the detection module, a wireless communication module said processed data to remote display device, an embedded energy source capable of energizing the entire portable imaging device, and characterized in that the detection module comprises at least one position sensitive SiPM detector.