Tissue Characterization Probe with Nested Treatment Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack the precision to accurately locate and treat abnormal tissue volumes, as they do not effectively adjust treatment volumes to match the determined dimensions of abnormal tissue specimens during characterization.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring an elongated carrier with an array of tissue characterization sensors arranged along its circumference and axis, allowing for precise localization of abnormal tissue, and a treatment tool that can be selectively extended and adjusted to match the determined tissue dimensions for precise treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a treatment tool is integrated with the characterization probe, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the treatment tool and characterization probe into a single integrated device, allowing both functions to be performed through the same access point in the tissue. The treatment tool is positioned within the hollow portion of the probe carrier, enabling coordinated operation for precise localization and treatment of abnormal tissue volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment tool is nested within the hollow portion of the probe carrier, allowing it to be concealed during characterization and deployed only when needed. This nesting arrangement enables the treatment tool to be passed through the carrier and selectively extended to the tissue site, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining treatment precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment tool is selectively extendable, then treatment adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool is designed with selective extendability, transitioning between a retracted state during tissue characterization and an extended state during treatment. This dynamic configuration allows the tool to adapt to different procedural phases, improving treatment adaptability while managing device complexity through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment tool is pre-positioned within the probe carrier during the characterization phase, allowing the abnormal tissue volume to be determined first. The tool is then extended to match the determined tissue dimensions, enabling adaptive treatment planning based on real-time characterization data without requiring device redesign.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged in spaced-apart relationship along the carrier, then tissue characterization precision is improved, but device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple discrete sensors positioned at known spaced-apart intervals along the distal portion of the carrier. This segmentation allows for precise determination of abnormal tissue volume by measuring electrical properties at multiple discrete locations, improving characterization precision while confining the sensor array to a compact distal section of the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are arranged not only along the longitudinal axis of the carrier but also around its circumference, creating a two-dimensional sensor distribution. This spatial arrangement improves tissue characterization precision by providing multi-directional measurements without proportionally increasing the overall device length, as the circumferential distribution utilizes the radial dimension.
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 of abnormal tissue specimens by allowing the treatment tool to be controllably extended and adjusted, facilitating precise removal or treatment without moving the sensors, even for small tissue masses.
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 which are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship on at least a part of the carrier with known distances between them along a longitudinal axis of the carrier and along at least part of a circumference of the carrier, such that during progression of the probe through a tissue mass each of the sensors generates tissue characterization signals from successive locations thereof within the tissue mass enabling to locate an abnormal tissue inside said tissue mass, thereby enabling consequent treatment of the abnormal tissue. Several movement mechanisms are described for enabling relative movement between the carrier and a treatment tool passing therethrough.