Tissue Sampling Probe Spatial Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tissue inspection techniques in surgical pathology rely heavily on visual inspection, leading to incomplete sampling and subjective selection of tissue regions for further analysis, as they fail to effectively identify all pathological tissues within a specimen.
Innovation Solution
A novel tissue inspection system and probe device that uses a tissue characterization unit to generate a spatial profile of tissue properties, enabling automated selection and collection of specific regions for further analysis, incorporating imaging and pattern generation to optimize tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection by skilled professionals is used to select tissue regions for analysis, then the process relies on human expertise and judgment, but the sampling becomes subjective and may miss pathological tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an automated optical imaging and analysis system. The tissue characterization unit uses multiple wavelength optical imaging to capture tissue properties, and computer algorithms automatically analyze the images to identify and select regions of interest, substituting human visual inspection with automated optical-mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the tissue sampling process to identify and select its own regions of interest through automated image analysis. The computer-implemented algorithms independently evaluate tissue characteristics and determine which regions to sample without requiring continuous human intervention or subjective judgment.
2Reliability
If manual visual inspection is used for tissue sampling, then the process is simple and quick, but the sampling completeness and representation of pathological tissues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tissue inspection process into distinct functional components: illumination sources at multiple wavelengths, tissue characterization unit for capturing optical properties, image processing module for analyzing tissue characteristics, and region selection algorithm for identifying areas of interest. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve reliable and complete pathological tissue identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue characterization unit serves multiple functions: it captures tissue optical properties at different wavelengths, generates images for analysis, identifies pathological regions, and provides data for sampling decisions. This multi-functionality increases reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single integrated unit performs what would otherwise require multiple separate systems.
3Extent of automation
If automated tissue inspection with spatial profiling is implemented, then objectivity and accuracy of sampling improve, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing tissue optical properties at multiple wavelengths before final sampling decisions are made. The tissue characterization unit pre-processes the tissue by generating spatial profiles and identifying regions of interest, which then guides the sampling process. This preliminary characterization simplifies the overall system architecture by front-loading the analytical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to tissue inspection by incorporating spectral information (wavelength dimension) in addition to spatial dimensions. The tissue characterization unit analyzes tissue properties across multiple wavelengths, creating a multi-dimensional data space that enables more accurate and objective identification of pathological regions without requiring proportionally increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe device for use in a tissue inspection system is presented. The probe device comprises a probe body and a control unit at least partially incorporated in the probe body. The probe body carries at least a tissue characterization unit operable for providing sensing data indicative of at least one tissue property at measurement locations in the tissue portion being held by the probe. The control unit comprises: a processor utility for receiving and processing the sensing data and generating measured data indicative of a spatial profile of said at least one tissue property distribution within the tissue portion, and comprises at least one of the following: an imaging utility for receiving said measured data and generating and displaying an image indicative thereof thereby enabling a user to select a region of said tissue portion for further analysis; and a pattern generator module configured for receiving and analyzing said measured data and determining a pattern indicative of an arrangement of regions in said tissue portion, thereby enabling selection of at least one of the regions for further analysis.