Tissue Characterization Probe with Sensor Array for Abnormal Tissue Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical technologies 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, which limits effective tissue characterization and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A medical device equipped with an elongated carrier and an array of tissue characterization sensors that scans the tissue mass to locate and determine the dimensions of abnormal tissue specimens, allowing for a treatment tool to be deployed for biopsy, cutting, or medication delivery, with adjustable and controllable treatment elements to ensure precise removal or treatment.
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 device segments the tissue characterization function into multiple spatially distributed sensors arranged in an array along the carrier. Each sensor independently measures tissue properties at its location, and the combined data from all sensors enables precise three-dimensional localization and volume determination of abnormal tissue. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision while keeping each individual sensor simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point tissue characterization to multi-dimensional spatial mapping by arranging sensors in an array along the carrier axis. This dimensional expansion allows the system to determine not only the presence but also the precise location, shape, and volume of abnormal tissue specimens within the tissue mass.
2Ease of operation
If a treatment tool is integrated on the characterization probe carrier, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the tissue characterization probe and the treatment tool into a single integrated device. The treatment tool is mounted on the carrier that also carries the sensor array, allowing both diagnostic (sensing) and therapeutic (treatment) functions to be performed through a single insertion and operation. This integration improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for separate procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device provides multi-functionality by combining tissue characterization capabilities with multiple treatment modalities (biopsy, cutting, medication delivery). The single device can perform diagnostic sensing, locate abnormal tissue, and execute various treatment types, making it a universal tool for both diagnosis and therapy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the treatment tool is selectively shiftable between inoperative and operative positions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be selectively shifted between an inoperative position (substantially entirely inside the carrier) and an operative position (projecting towards outside the carrier). This dynamic configuration enables precise control over when and how the treatment function is activated, improving manufacturing precision by ensuring accurate treatment volume delivery.
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 localization and treatment of abnormal tissue specimens, facilitating effective tissue characterization and treatment by providing real-time data for operators through a graphical user interface, allowing for optimal adjustment of treatment volumes and methods.
Implementation Method 1
Such techniques include those utilizing 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 for 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.