Surgical Instrument Tissue Recognition via Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical devices lack effective means to provide real-time orientation and differentiation of tissue types during procedures, which can lead to inaccurate targeting and potential damage to healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical device equipped with an electrode connected to an HF power source, a light-recording device, and a light-analysis system that uses spectral analysis to determine tissue characteristics, providing feedback through an indicator device for improved tissue recognition and differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectral analysis is implemented to identify tissue types, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light-recording device, optical fiber bundle, light-analysis device, and indicator device into a nested hierarchical structure where each component is embedded within the instrument handle. The optical fiber bundle is contained within the instrument, the light-analysis device processes signals from the fibers, and the indicator device provides feedback - creating a compact nested architecture that reduces spatial complexity while maintaining functional precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument combines multiple functions into a single device: the electrode performs surgical cutting/coagulation, the optical fiber bundle simultaneously transmits light for both illumination and spectral analysis, and the integrated system provides both surgical action and real-time tissue identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while maintaining measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If real-time spectral analysis is performed during surgery, then information availability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous spectral analysis during the entire surgical procedure. The light-recording device continuously captures light from the electrode-tissue interaction, the optical fiber bundle continuously transmits this information, and the light-analysis device continuously processes spectra to identify tissue types. This continuous feedback loop eliminates interruptions and provides uninterrupted tissue characterization information throughout surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary spectral analysis on tissue before the electrode actually contacts or damages it. By detecting tissue characteristics through light absorption spectra prior to surgical action, the system provides advance warning of tissue type (healthy vs. pathological), allowing the surgeon to plan subsequent actions without time loss for intraoperative decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light-recording devices are used to define different light-recording fields, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light-recording function into multiple spatially separated light-recording fields, each detected by separate detection channels. This segmentation allows the system to analyze different tissue regions independently, detect tissue boundaries more accurately, and provide directional information about tissue type transitions. Each light-recording field acts as an independent measurement zone that can be analyzed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point tissue analysis to multi-dimensional spatial analysis by implementing multiple light-recording fields arranged in different spatial positions and orientations. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous analysis of tissue characteristics across different locations and depths, providing comprehensive three-dimensional tissue mapping without requiring a proportional increase in overall device 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 device enables precise identification of tissue types, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissue by providing real-time visual or acoustic feedback, allowing for more accurate surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
creates a HF spark at its distal end
Implementation Method 2
The plasma ablation by means of HF power
Implementation Method 3
determine tissue characteristics by means of spectral analysis
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical device for recognizing tissue by means of spectral analysis of the light generated at an electrode. An acoustic or optical indicator device displays the tissue type permanently or when detecting certain tissue. Indicators, in particular optical indicators, are arranged in the application field of view, so as to support the user in response to making an incision.