Tactile Imaging for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing pelvic organ conditions, particularly pelvic organ prolapse and its risk, lack standardized instruments for biomechanical characterization, and existing surgical repairs face high recurrence rates due to inadequate understanding of vaginal tissue biomechanics.
Innovation Solution
The use of tactile imaging with a transvaginal probe to obtain pressure patterns and calculate tissue elasticity profiles, allowing for quantitative assessment of vaginal tissue conditions and estimation of prolapse risk by comparing measured values against predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical repair is performed for pelvic organ prolapse, then anatomical support is improved, but recurrence rate increases due to inadequate understanding of tissue biomechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual palpation with an automated tactile imaging system that uses an array of force sensors to objectively measure tissue mechanical properties. This substitution of mechanical assessment with instrumented measurement enables precise quantification of tissue elasticity and identification of high-risk areas for recurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the qualitative assessment of tissue support into quantitative parameters by measuring force distribution across multiple sensor elements. This parameter change from subjective evaluation to objective numerical data allows for precise characterization of tissue biomechanics and informed surgical decision-making.
2Ease of operation
If manual palpation is used to assess vaginal tissue, then examination simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile imaging system performs self-assessment by automatically measuring tissue properties without requiring operator skill or interpretation. The sensor array independently maps tissue mechanical properties, eliminating variability introduced by different examiners while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical skill of manual palpation with an instrumented sensing system that automatically detects and quantifies tissue properties. This substitution preserves ease of use while dramatically improving measurement precision and reproducibility.
3Strength
If graft materials are used to reinforce vaginal support, then immediate structural support is improved, but long-term functionality and optimal support restoration remain inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile imaging system identifies specific locations with deficient tissue properties, allowing for targeted application of graft materials only where needed. This localized approach preserves natural tissue functionality in healthy areas while providing reinforcement where required, optimizing both strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preoperative identification of high-risk areas through tactile imaging, allowing surgeons to plan graft placement in advance. This preliminary characterization of tissue properties ensures that reinforcement is applied strategically to areas most likely to benefit, improving long-term outcomes.
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
This approach provides a reproducible and quantitative method for assessing pelvic organ conditions, improving the prediction of prolapse development and post-surgical outcomes by accurately characterizing vaginal tissue elasticity and support structures.
Implementation Method 1
calculating tissue elasticity modulus profiles from the pressure patterns and coordinates
Implementation Method 2
deforming vagina along an anterior vaginal wall and along a posterior vaginal wall using a transvaginal probe
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed before and after an interventional procedure using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The “before” and “after” profile values at specified locations are then compared to each other and to thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention may be used in estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure such as pelvic tissue regeneration, muscle repair or implantation of a supporting structure.