Solvent Collection Probe for Intraoperative Tissue Margin Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intra-operative assessment of tissue samples, such as those in cancer surgeries, face challenges due to freezing artifacts and difficulty in recognizing tumor cells, with inadequate molecular assessment technologies available.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using mass spectrometry to analyze tissue samples by applying a solvent to a tissue site, collecting the solvent, and subjecting it to mass spectrometry analysis, allowing for real-time molecular assessment of tissue sites with minimal tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If frozen section analysis is used for intra-operative tissue assessment, then tissue samples can be evaluated during surgery, but freezing artifacts occur that interfere with tissue structure and cell morphology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific molecular markers (proteins, metabolites, lipids) from tissue samples using mass spectrometry, rather than attempting to evaluate the entire tissue structure. This molecular extraction approach bypasses the freezing artifact problem while providing rapid diagnostic information during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical freezing and staining process with a molecular extraction and mass spectrometry analysis system. Instead of physically freezing tissue sections and visually examining them under a microscope, the system uses chemical extraction followed by mass spectral analysis to identify tissue characteristics rapidly.
2Ease of operation
If traditional light microscopy is used to evaluate tissue samples, then visual assessment of tissue structure is possible, but certain tumor cells are very difficult to recognize due to their atypical pattern of growth and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mass spectrometry to detect specific molecular signatures that serve as chemical 'color codes' for different tissue types and pathological states. Instead of relying on visual morphological assessment, the system identifies unique molecular profiles that are characteristic of cancerous versus normal tissues, making tumor detection more reliable regardless of cellular appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces molecular markers (proteins, metabolites, lipids) as intermediary substances that reveal tissue identity and pathological state. These molecular intermediaries provide objective chemical evidence of tissue characteristics, replacing subjective visual assessment and improving tumor cell recognition accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If molecular assessment methods are developed for real-time tissue analysis, then highly accurate assessment of tissue samples is possible, but adequate devices or methodologies have not been developed to date
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mass spectrometry as a universal analytical platform that can identify multiple different tissue types and pathological conditions using the same fundamental technology. The system uses a common molecular extraction approach followed by mass spectral analysis to assess various cancers and tissue characteristics, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the assessment parameters from macroscopic tissue structure and cell morphology to molecular composition. By analyzing the chemical parameters (proteins, metabolites, lipids) rather than physical parameters (shape, size, structure), the system achieves high accuracy with a relatively simple device configuration.
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, real-time differentiation of diseased and normal tissues, providing molecular profiles that can identify cancerous tissues without the need for ionization sources, facilitating precise surgical margin evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the liquid sample to mass spectrometry analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Method and devices are provided for assessing tissue samples from a plurality of tissue sites in a subject using molecular analysis. In certain aspects, devices of the embodiments allow for the collection of liquid tissue samples and delivery of the samples for mass spectrometry analysis.