Switch Probe for High-Resolution Impedance Tissue Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diagnosing skin conditions like malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma face challenges due to limited spatial resolution in impedance measurements, making it difficult to detect early-stage diseases effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with a probe featuring elongated rectangular electrodes arranged in parallel rows, capable of high spatial resolution scanning in both depth and lateral dimensions, achieved by activating successive electrode pairs and using a predetermined activation scheme to reduce superficial currents and penetrate deeper tissue layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional impedance measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the spatial resolution is limited and cannot detect early-stage skin cancers
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple electrodes arranged in parallel rows, with each electrode capable of being independently activated. This segmentation allows the measurement of impedance at multiple discrete locations, thereby achieving high spatial resolution for detecting small anomalies in skin tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are arranged in parallel rows, introducing a lateral dimension to the measurement. By activating successive electrode pairs across multiple rows, the system achieves high spatial resolution in both depth and lateral dimensions, transforming a one-dimensional measurement into a two-dimensional scanning capability.
2Measurement precision
If electrode pairs are activated to scan tissue at different depths, then depth resolution is improved, but superficial currents interfere with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful superficial currents are extracted and separated from the measurement process by using a predetermined activation scheme that selectively activates specific electrode pairs. This allows the system to isolate and eliminate the interference from superficial currents while maintaining accurate depth resolution measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
A predetermined activation scheme is established before measurements are taken, which proactively manages the activation of electrode pairs to minimize superficial current interference. This preliminary planning ensures that measurements at different depths are obtained while systematically reducing the harmful effects of superficial currents.
3Reliability
If multiple electrodes are used to improve spatial resolution, then detection capability is enhanced, but the complexity of electrode activation and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic activation of electrode pairs in a systematic sequence. By following a predetermined activation scheme that cycles through different electrode combinations, the system achieves comprehensive tissue scanning with high detection capability while maintaining manageable control complexity through regular, repeating patterns.
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 detection of small anomalies in the skin, such as early-stage malignant melanoma, by providing high spatial resolution impedance data, improving prognosis through early disease detection.
Implementation Method 1
an impedance measuring circuit adapted to apply a voltage at two of the electrodes and to measure a resulting current via the electrodes to determine an impedance signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides impedance data having an impoved spatial resolution, both with regard to depth and lateral extension, which enables a detection of diseased skin conditions, such a malignant melanoma, at an early stage. Specifcally, the present invention is implemented in a probe, medical devices and medical systems including such a probe, and methods using such a probe for measuring electrical impedance of tissue of a subject. A switching circuit is arranged for selectively activate electrode pairs of the probe in accordance with a predetermined activation scheme, the predetermined activation scheme including to activate adjacent electrodes in a successive manner, to gradually scan tissue of the subject at a first tissue depth so as to obtain a sequence of impedance signals from the tissue depth.