Pressure-Assisted Tissue Stiffness Sensing for Hard-to-Reach Organs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the stiffness of soft tissues, particularly in complex anatomical regions like the lung, are limited to surface measurements and require tissue sampling, leading to inaccurate readings and difficulty in diagnosing and treating diseases.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-assisted, minimally invasive device with a steerable and conformable configuration, integrated with a miniaturized camera and optical fiber imaging probe, allows for non-destructive stiffness measurement of tissues and organs, capable of real-time tumor margin determination and therapeutic interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tissue sampling is performed for stiffness measurement, then measurement can be obtained, but tissue structure is altered leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tissue sampling and ex vivo testing with in vivo indentation testing using a force sensor. The system applies controlled mechanical indentation forces to the tissue surface and measures the resulting deformation, eliminating the need to remove or isolate tissue samples. This substitution of mechanical testing methodology preserves tissue integrity while obtaining accurate stiffness measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary force sensor system that acts as a mediator between the measurement objective and the tissue. The sensor includes a sphere that floats on a cushion of air, creating a non-contact or minimal-contact measurement interface. This intermediary mechanism allows stiffness measurement without direct mechanical sampling or destructive contact, preserving tissue structure.
2Ease of operation
If surface measurement methods are used, then device operation is simplified, but measurement capability is limited to accessible tissue surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can measure tissue stiffness across multiple locations and tissue types through a single device platform. The force sensor can be applied to various accessible tissue surfaces including skin, mucosal surfaces, and organ surfaces during surgical procedures. The system provides consistent measurement capability across different anatomical sites, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional indentation testing is performed, then stiffness measurement is obtained, but the device cannot reach difficult-to-access anatomical locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, flexible force sensor design that can adapt to curved and difficult-to-reach anatomical surfaces. The sensor includes a flexible catheter or probe structure that can be inserted into body cavities and positioned at target locations. The spherical measurement tip can conform to irregular tissue surfaces, enabling accurate stiffness measurements in locations such as the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or deep tissue regions that would be inaccessible to rigid conventional testing devices.
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, rapid quantification of tissue stiffness in vivo and ex vivo, facilitating complete tumor removal, mechanical testing of donor organs, and therapeutic applications like atherosclerosis treatment, while reducing procedural invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The device allows for vacuum or compression-assisted direct in situ measurement of local tissue
Implementation Method 2
The device allows for vacuum or compression-assisted direct in situ measurement of local tissue
Implementation Method 3
integrated with a miniaturized camera or optical fiber imaging probe
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A minimally invasive device, containing a pressure channel, camera, and optical fiber imaging probe, to measure the stiffness of tissues in vivo and ex vivo is disclosed. The device is inserted into a patient and navigated to a tissue of interest, where stiffness is evaluated by applying suction and measuring the elongation or by applying compression force and measuring the compression of the tissue. Biopsies can be taken for further analysis, or tissue can be removed using an ablation laser. Small fluorescent molecules or therapeutics can also be delivered for improved visualization and targeted treatment. As such, this technology may be used to evaluate the stiffness of biomaterials as well as tissues and organs that are difficult to access, allowing for simultaneous diagnosis, treatment, and excision of diseased tissues.