Tissue Collection Probe for Real-Time Mass Spectrometry Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intra-operative tissue evaluation in cancer surgeries face challenges due to freezing artifacts and the difficulty in recognizing tumor cells, with inadequate molecular assessment techniques available for real-time and accurate diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using mass spectrometry to analyze tissue samples by applying a solvent to a tissue site, collecting the solvent, and subjecting it to mass spectrometry analysis, allowing for the differentiation of diseased and normal tissues through molecular profiling without causing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If frozen section analysis is used for intra-operative tissue evaluation, then tissue samples can be assessed during surgery, but freezing artifacts occur that interfere with tissue structure and cell morphology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts molecular information (metabolites, lipids, proteins) from tissue samples using solvent extraction and mass spectrometry, separating the diagnostic function from the physical tissue structure. This allows molecular assessment without freezing artifacts that interfere with morphological evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical freezing and staining process with a molecular extraction and mass spectrometry system. Instead of physically freezing tissue sections for visual inspection, the system uses chemical extraction followed by spectral analysis to obtain diagnostic information.
2Reliability
If traditional light microscopy is used to evaluate tissue samples, then surgical margins can be assessed, but certain tumor cells are very difficult to recognize due to their atypical pattern of growth and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces molecular markers (metabolites, lipids, proteins) as intermediaries to detect tumor cells. Instead of directly visualizing difficult-to-recognize tumor cells through light microscopy, the system detects characteristic molecular profiles that serve as reliable indicators of tumor presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from morphological features (cell shape, growth pattern) to molecular composition (metabolite profiles, lipid signatures, protein expression). This parameter transformation enables reliable tumor detection regardless of atypical cellular morphology.
3Measurement precision
If molecular assessment techniques are developed for real-time tissue analysis, then accurate diagnosis can be achieved, but adequate devices or methodologies have not been developed to date
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal mass spectrometry-based platform that can assess multiple tissue types and cancer kinds through a single molecular extraction and analysis system. This multi-functional approach achieves high molecular assessment accuracy without requiring separate specialized devices for each tissue type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable probe design where the collection tip is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization systems. This simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through consistent, contamination-free sampling.
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 accurate, real-time molecular assessment of tissue samples during surgeries, effectively distinguishing between cancerous and normal tissues, facilitating precise surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the liquid sample to mass spectrometry analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Method and devices are provided for assessing tissue samples from a plurality of tissuc sites in a subject using molecular analysis. In certain aspects, devices of the embodiments allow for the collection of liquid tissue samples and delivery of the samples for mass spectrometry analysis.