Tissue Characterization Probe With Nested Treatment Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques face challenges in precisely locating and determining the volume of abnormal tissue for treatment, as well as adjusting the treatment volume to match the identified abnormal tissue specimen, during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device equipped with an elongated carrier and an array of tissue characterization sensors that allows for precise location and determination of abnormal tissue, coupled with a treatment tool that can be selectively positioned and adjusted to match the determined dimensions of the abnormal tissue, enabling biopsy, cutting, or delivery of treatment medication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an array of tissue characterization sensors is used to precisely locate and determine the volume of abnormal tissue, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple segments along its elongated axis, with tissue characterization sensors positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the array to scan through the tissue mass progressively, determining the volume and location of abnormal tissue by collecting data from multiple discrete sensor positions, thereby achieving precise measurement without requiring a single overly complex sensor unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a treatment tool is integrated on the characterization probe carrier, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool mounted on the carrier is designed to perform multiple functions including biopsy sampling, cutting/removal of abnormal tissue, and delivery of treatment medication. This multi-functional design allows a single integrated tool to adapt to different treatment requirements based on the characterization results, improving versatility while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment tool is configured to be selectively shiftable between an inoperative position (substantially entirely inside the carrier) and an operative position (projecting towards outside the carrier). This dynamic positioning capability allows the tool to be deployed only when needed, reducing complexity during navigation and characterization phases while enabling full treatment functionality when required.
3Ease of operation
If the treatment tool is selectively shiftable between inoperative and operative positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool is designed to be nested within the carrier when in the inoperative position, with the carrier serving as a protective sheath or housing. This nesting arrangement allows the treatment tool to be easily retracted and protected during probe insertion and tissue characterization, while enabling simple deployment by extending the tool from the carrier opening when treatment is required, improving ease of operation without requiring complex mechanical systems.
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 precise and effective treatment or removal of abnormal tissue specimens by accurately identifying and adjusting the treatment volume in real-time, facilitating procedures such as biopsy and tissue removal with enhanced precision and control.
Implementation Method 1
determination of the electrical properties of a tissue, for example, by determination of electrical impedance or dielectric constants
Implementation Method 2
determination of the electrical properties of a tissue, for example, by determination of electrical impedance or dielectric constants
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device is presented for use in tissue characterization and treatment. The device comprises: a tissue characterization probe comprising an elongated carrier carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors arranged in a spaced-apart relationship at least along an axis of said carrier, such that progression of the probe through a tissue mass provides for locating and determining a dimension of an abnormal tissue specimen inside said tissue mass based on characterization signals from the sensors in the array, thereby enabling consequent treatment of the abnormal tissue specimen by a treatment tool.