Specimen Analysis Apparatus for Core Tissue Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoperative rapid cytological examination during endoscopic needle biopsies faces challenges in isolating and evaluating core tissue due to blood clots and tangled tissue, making it difficult to determine if sufficient tissue is obtained for pathological diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A specimen analysis apparatus that includes a light source, imager, processor, isolator, and drive controller to illuminate, capture images, detect and calculate the amount of core tissue, and automatically isolate it based on predetermined thresholds, ensuring sufficient tissue is obtained for diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a doctor manually loosens and isolates core tissue using tweezers during MOSE, then the tissue can be evaluated, but the process is time-consuming and difficult for less-experienced practitioners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of using tweezers to isolate tissue with an automated image processing system. The processor analyzes images captured by the imager, automatically detects core tissue boundaries, calculates tissue amounts, and provides isolation guidance, substituting the doctor's manual mechanical manipulation with an automated computational system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing automated tissue detection and measurement capabilities that guide the doctor's isolation process. The processor automatically identifies tissue boundaries and calculates amounts without requiring extensive manual manipulation, allowing the system to perform the analytical work that would otherwise require skilled manual operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual isolation of core tissue is performed, then tissue evaluation is possible, but determination of sufficient tissue amount is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and measurement with an automated image processing system. The processor captures images, detects tissue boundaries algorithmically, and calculates precise tissue amounts based on image analysis, providing objective measurement data that replaces subjective manual assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by comparing the calculated tissue amount against predetermined threshold values. The processor determines whether the tissue amount is sufficient by comparing measurements to established criteria, giving the doctor clear feedback on whether additional tissue is needed without requiring subjective judgment.
3Measurement precision
If automated image processing is implemented, then tissue detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a standard imager and processor that can perform multiple functions: capturing images, detecting tissue boundaries, calculating tissue amounts, and providing isolation guidance. This universal approach avoids the need for specialized complex hardware for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
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
The apparatus enables accurate and efficient isolation of core tissue, allowing for intuitive recognition of tissue sufficiency and reducing unnecessary operations, thereby improving the diagnostic accuracy and ease of use even for less-experienced practitioners.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to illuminate a specimen with light
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen analysis apparatus includes: a light source; an imager configured to capture, at predetermined time intervals, images of the specimen and sequentially generate image data; a processor configured to sequentially detect the core tissue that appears in an image corresponding to the sequentially generated image data, sequentially calculate a tissue amount of the core tissue based on the sequentially detected core tissue, and determine whether the tissue amount of the core tissue is smaller than a threshold value set in advance every time the processor calculates the tissue amount; an isolator configured to isolate the core tissue from the specimen; and a drive controller configured to cause the isolator to perform the isolation operation when the tissue amount is smaller than the threshold value, and cause the isolator to stop the isolation operation when the tissue amount is equal to or larger than the threshold value.