Tissue Classification System Using Electrical Impedance for Cancer Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cancer diagnosis methods, such as X-ray images and biopsies, are unable to directly confirm whether detected masses or nodules are cancerous or benign, leading to delays in treatment and potential impact on patient survival.

Innovation Solution

A tissue classification system that uses electrical measurements to differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells by applying an electric field through electrodes and analyzing the resulting sensing signals, which are then used to classify cells and control medicament delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If conventional imaging techniques (X-ray, CT) are used to detect masses or nodules, then detection capability is improved, but the ability to directly confirm whether the detected masses are cancerous deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcancer confirmation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrical impedance sensing system as an intermediary diagnostic tool between conventional imaging and final cancer confirmation. The sensing needle measures electrical characteristics of tissue cells, providing additional information that helps distinguish cancerous from benign masses without requiring immediate biopsy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical biopsy procedure with an electrical measurement-based diagnostic system. Instead of physically extracting tissue samples for analysis, the system uses electrodes to measure electrical impedance characteristics of cells, offering a non-invasive alternative for cancer detection and classification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If biopsies are delayed while masses are monitored for growth, then diagnostic accuracy may be improved, but treatment time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtreatment delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary electrical impedance measurements on tissue masses before biopsy or treatment decisions are made. By characterizing the electrical properties of cells in advance, the system provides diagnostic information that reduces the need for delayed biopsies and accelerates treatment planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback on tissue classification based on electrical measurements, enabling clinicians to make immediate decisions about whether to proceed with biopsy or treatment. This feedback mechanism eliminates the waiting period associated with traditional monitoring approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If electrical measurements are used to classify tissue, then diagnostic speed is improved, but measurement complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic speedVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tissue classification process into distinct measurement stages using multiple electrode configurations. Different electrode arrangements measure different electrical characteristics, allowing the system to gather comprehensive diagnostic information through a series of simple, segmented measurements rather than a single complex measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system effectively classifies cells as cancerous or non-cancerous based on electrical characteristics, enabling precise targeting and delivery of medicaments directly to cancerous tissues, thereby improving treatment efficacy and reducing delays.

Implementation Method 1

generate a first electric field that passes through a first group of cells of the anatomy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

generate a first sensing signal representing a sensed electrical characteristic of the first group of cells in response to the first electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250064336A1Tissue classification system for detecting cancerous cells

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 JOHNSON & JOHNSON ENTERPRISE INNOVATION INC

AI summary

A tissue classification system includes a tube inserted into an anatomy of a patient, with a sensing needle at a distal end of the tube. The sensing needle includes electrodes that generate an electrical field passing through one or more cells of the anatomy contacting one or more electrodes in response to an activation signal. The electrodes generate an electrical sensing signal based on an electrical characteristic of the one or more cells when the electric field is applied. A controller classifies the one or more cells as cancerous or non-cancerous based on the electrical characteristic. Based on the classification, the controller may control a medicament delivery device to enable medicament delivery when the sensing needle meets position criteria relative to a target tumor.