Total Internal Reflection THz Imaging for Tumor Margin Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative techniques for assessing cancer tumor margins, particularly in breast cancer, are inaccurate, leading to the removal of healthy tissue and incomplete tumor removal due to limitations in existing imaging methods such as palpation and x-ray, and the challenges of using THz and mm-wave frequencies for real-time imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method employing total internal reflection (TIR) imaging using mm-wave or cm-wave radiation, where electromagnetic radiation is incident on a spatial light modulator through a non-absorbing medium, spatially modulated by visible or near-infrared light, allowing for real-time margin assessment without the need for a detector array, and enabling the differentiation between cancerous and healthy tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If THz region imaging is used, then imaging capability is provided, but detector array technology development is difficult and real-time imaging over large field of view is extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging function from complex detector arrays by using a single detector combined with mechanical scanning. The scanning mechanism is removed from the detector system and replaced with a simpler approach where the sample or beam is scanned mechanically, allowing real-time imaging without complex detector arrays in the THz band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/detector-based scanning system with a mechanical scanning approach. Instead of using complex detector arrays that require electronic processing, the system uses mechanical movement to scan the THz beam across the sample, substituting mechanical simplicity for electronic complexity.
2Measurement precision
If THz region imaging is used, then imaging capability is provided, but absorption contrast is only observed at lateral edges and margins at top and bottom remain undetermined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional lateral edge detection to three-dimensional margin assessment by implementing scanning in multiple dimensions. The mechanical scanning system allows the THz beam to probe the sample from multiple positions and angles, enabling determination of margins not just at lateral edges but also at top and bottom surfaces, thus adding a dimensional aspect to the imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary scanning and characterization of the sample before final imaging. The mechanical scanning system allows for preliminary probing of different regions to identify areas of interest and optimize the imaging parameters beforehand, ensuring that margin information from all surfaces is captured and defined before final assessment.
3Ease of operation
If mm-waves are used, then some problems are addressed, but diffraction limit prevents sufficient resolution and definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic scanning and mechanical movement to overcome the static diffraction limit. By dynamically scanning the beam across the sample and using temporal processing of the scanned signals, the system achieves effective resolution beyond the static diffraction limit of mm-waves. The mechanical scanning adds a temporal dimension that allows super-resolution techniques to be applied.
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 strong imaging contrast between cancerous tumors and healthy tissue, offers real-time imaging with high resolution, and reduces the need for secondary surgeries by accurately determining tumor margins, improving recovery times and reducing cancer reoccurrence.
Implementation Method 1
directing the electromagnetic radiation through the waveguide wherein the electromagnetic radiation is guided through the waveguide by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
spatially modulating the reflected electromagnetic radiation by visible light from a visible light source or by near infrared light from a near infrared source
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a range of method for investigating a sample such as obtaining images and/or spectral information are described. The method includes a method for deriving structural information about a sample as a continuous function of the depth below the surface of the sample, a method for evaluating a part of the structure of a sample located between two interfaces within the sample, and a contrast enhancing method and apparatus which has a quick image acquisition time.