Integrated Tissue Characterization Probe with Treatment Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a medical device that can precisely locate and determine the volume of abnormal tissue for treatment, such as tumors, and adjust the treatment volume accordingly, while allowing for immediate and effective treatment, especially for small and localized tissue masses.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a tissue characterization probe with an array of sensors that determines the dimension of abnormal tissue specimens within a tissue mass, integrated with a treatment tool that can be selectively positioned and adjusted for precise treatment, including biopsy, cutting, or medication delivery, and includes a control unit for analyzing signals and guiding the treatment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tissue characterization probe with sensors is used to locate abnormal tissue, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tissue characterization probe with a treatment tool into a single integrated device. The probe contains sensors for detecting abnormal tissue and a treatment tool for immediate intervention, merging diagnosis and treatment functions to maintain precision while streamlining the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it characterizes tissue using sensors, locates abnormal regions, and performs treatment operations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to accomplish what would otherwise require separate diagnostic and treatment tools, managing complexity through consolidation
2Productivity
If the treatment tool is integrated with the characterization probe, then productivity is improved by enabling immediate treatment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool is integrated with the characterization probe, allowing immediate treatment of detected abnormal tissue without requiring separate diagnostic and treatment procedures. This merging enables continuous operation and improves productivity by eliminating transitions between separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment tool is prepared and positioned in advance within the probe structure, ready for immediate deployment once abnormal tissue is detected. This preliminary positioning enables rapid response and immediate treatment, enhancing productivity while the integration manages the complexity of having both functions in one device
3Manufacturing precision
If the treatment volume is adjusted to match the determined abnormal tissue dimension, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically configured to match the dimensions of the detected abnormal tissue. This adjustability allows precise matching of treatment volume to the measured tissue dimensions, improving manufacturing precision while the dynamic nature of the adjustment mechanism manages the complexity through flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment tool allows modification of key parameters such as treatment volume and positioning to precisely match the characteristics of the detected abnormal tissue. By enabling parameter adjustments based on sensor measurements, the system achieves high precision treatment while managing complexity through controlled variability
4Measurement precision
If sensors are kept at the exact location for treatment without displacement, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool is integrated with the sensor array within the same probe structure, allowing treatment to be delivered at the exact sensor location without requiring sensor displacement. This merging of sensing and treatment functions maintains measurement precision while the integrated design simplifies the operational complexity of coordinating sensors and treatment 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 and effective treatment of abnormal tissue specimens by allowing immediate treatment at the exact location of the sensors, with the ability to adjust the treatment volume based on the determined dimensions, facilitating accurate removal or intervention in small tissue masses without displacing the sensors.
Implementation Method 1
determination of the electrical properties of a tissue, for example, by determination of electrical impedance or dielectric constants
Implementation Method 2
treating or removing the tissue specimen by delivering radiation or a surgical tool to the location of the tissue specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device including a tissue characterization probe having 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 within at least a distal portion thereof, 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. The elongated carrier has two integral portions including said distal portion and a hollow portion extending between a proximal end of the carrier and said distal portion. The carrier is configured for passing a predetermined treatment tool through the hollow portion thereof and enabling at least a part of the treatment tool to project from the hollow portion and extend along the distal portion.