Suction Tool with Integrated Optical Probe for Real-Time Tissue Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures face challenges due to tissue deformation during minimally invasive surgeries, which renders pre-operative imaging inaccurate, necessitating real-time information on tissue structure, state, and molecular content during surgery.
Innovation Solution
An integrated suction tool with optical fibers and a concentric ring having a beveled reflective surface is used to provide real-time optical measurements of tissue, allowing for accurate guidance and characterization of tissue before and during surgical interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-operative imaging is used for surgical guidance, then surgical planning can be performed, but tissue deformation during surgery renders the imaging inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating optical measurement capabilities into the suction tool before surgery begins. The system pre-configures multiple optical fibers (including excitation and collection fibers) and establishes real-time monitoring capabilities that will continuously track tissue properties throughout the surgical procedure, allowing dynamic adjustment to tissue deformation as it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using optical spectroscopy to continuously monitor tissue characteristics during surgery. The collected optical signals are processed to provide real-time information about tissue composition and state, which feeds back to the surgical system to update navigation and guidance, thereby compensating for tissue deformation dynamically rather than relying on static pre-operative images.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical tools are introduced to relieve pressure on tissue, then tissue damage is reduced, but real-time information on tissue structure and molecular content is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suction function with optical measurement capabilities by integrating multiple types of optical fibers (excitation, collection, reference) directly into the suction tool structure. This combination allows the single tool to simultaneously perform mechanical suction to minimize tissue damage and optical spectroscopy to gather real-time tissue information, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices that would require additional tissue access.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tool is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating various optical fibers for different purposes (excitation, collection, reference) along with the suction capability. This universal design allows one tool to perform multiple functions: mechanical tissue removal via suction and optical characterization via spectroscopy, providing comprehensive real-time tissue information while minimizing the number of separate interventions needed.
3Loss of information
If optical fibers are integrated into the suction tool, then real-time tissue measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding multiple optical fibers within the hollow structure of the suction tool. The excitation fibers, collection fibers, and reference fibers are nested within the tool's body, with their distal ends positioned near the tip opening. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated into a single compact device without significantly increasing external dimensions or operational complexity.
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 suction tool with integrated optical probe enables precise tissue characterization and tracking, improving the accuracy of surgical procedures by providing real-time information on tissue structure and molecular content, thus minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical fibers embedded in the tip body, extending from the tip proximal end to near the tip distal end
Implementation Method 2
a concentric ring attached to the tip, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the tip distal end and the first end has an inner beveled reflective surface opposing the optical fibers near the tip distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method is provided for a suction tool combined with an optical probe. A suction device is provided having a tip with a hollow tubular body, a plurality of optical fibers embedded in the tip and a concentric ring attached to the tip, wherein the ring end has an inner beveled reflective surface opposing the optical fibers. A method is provided for optically measuring tissue in a medical procedure comprising suctioning a tissue using a suction device, sending optical signals along optical fibers through the suction device; directing the signals from the optical fibers onto the tissue using a beveled surface; receiving optical signals from the tissue in optical fibers via the beveled reflective surface; measuring the received optical signals in a spectrometer or detector; and releasing, resecting or ablating the tissue through the suction device.