Tissue Property Determination Using Segmented Optical Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining tissue properties, such as those in cervical tissue, are limited by the need for sufficient fluorescence emission and lack accuracy when fluorescence is not adequately produced, leading to suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device that generates distinct signals indicative of light interaction with the epithelium, boundary, and stroma regions of the tissue, using a combination of light sources and detectors to produce first, second, and third signals with specific penetration depths and wavelengths, allowing for improved tissue property determination through diffuse reflectance spectrometry or other spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence measurement is used to determine tissue properties, then the method can be applied to tissues that emit fluorescence, but the accuracy is insufficient when fluorescence emission is not adequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tissue into three distinct regions (epithelium, boundary, and stroma) and uses separate light detection paths to measure each region independently. This allows for region-specific analysis that improves measurement accuracy regardless of overall tissue fluorescence emission levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by using multiple light sources with different wavelengths and detection paths optimized for specific tissue regions. Each region receives tailored illumination and detection parameters, enabling accurate measurement even when overall tissue fluorescence is insufficient.
2Loss of information
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to illuminate tissue regions, then spectral information can be obtained for improved tissue characterization, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional optical measurement device that can detect multiple wavelengths and regions using a unified platform. The device integrates diffuse reflectance spectrometry and fluorescence detection capabilities, allowing comprehensive tissue characterization without requiring multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges diffuse reflectance measurement and fluorescence detection into a single integrated system. By combining these measurement modalities and using shared optical components where possible, the device achieves comprehensive spectral information while managing complexity through integration.
3Measurement precision
If distinct detection paths are used for different tissue regions, then region-specific optical properties can be measured accurately, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into three distinct detection paths, each optimized for measuring a specific tissue region (epithelium, boundary, stroma). This segmentation enables region-specific optical property measurement with high precision while maintaining a structured and organized device architecture.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of tissue property determination, particularly for cervical tissue, by distinguishing between healthy and cancerous tissues, including invasive cancer stages, and differentiating between tissue types, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the light providing unit and the light detection unit are adapted to perform a diffuse reflectance spectrometry for generating three diffuse reflectance spectra
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescence instrument comprising a light source for producing light and illumination means for conveying the light to the surface of a subject to be examined such that the light may be applied to the surface of the subject at a plurality of incidence angles. The fluorescence instrument further comprises collection means for collecting light emanating from the surface of the subject which is produced by fluorescence within the subject and beneath the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a property of a tissue, particularly cancer of cervical tissue. A light providing unit (7, 8, 9) provides light for illuminating the tissue (6) and a light detection unit (10) detects light from the tissue, wherein a first signal being indicative of light (11) having been influenced by an epithelium region (R1), a second signal being indicative of light (12) having been influenced by a boundary region (R2) and a third signal being indicative of light (13) having been influenced by a stroma region (R3) are generated, and wherein a tissue property is determined based on the first, second and third signals. This allows for an determination of a tissue property, which is based on a combination of optical properties measured in the three different regions, resulting in an improved determination of the tissue property, in particular in improved cancer detection.