Disposable Tissue Visualization Probe with Optical Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surgical procedures cause significant trauma to tissues due to extensive incisions and prolonged recovery times, and existing visualization methods for internal tissues are expensive and potentially damaging, leading to poor diagnosis and extended recovery.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated, sterilizable disposable tissue visualization device with a handle, elongated body, image sensor, and optical element that provides visual and tactile feedback, allowing for accurate positioning and minimally invasive procedures with reduced tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used to access internal tissue sites, then adequate visualization and treatment capability are achieved, but significant tissue trauma, long incisions, and prolonged recovery time occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the surgical system into a minimally invasive external console and a percutaneous probe that delivers visualization and treatment capabilities through a small gauge needle, avoiding the need for large incisions while maintaining adequate tissue site access and visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical instruments with a percutaneous probe system that uses optical fibers for visualization and delivers therapeutic agents or energy through the needle, substituting mechanical tissue manipulation with more precise, minimally invasive methods
2Loss of information
If MRI or other imaging modes are used to visualize internal tissue sites, then diagnostic information is obtained, but the procedures are expensive, time-consuming to schedule, and may potentially damage the tissue site
Solution Approach 1:
The percutaneous probe acts as an intermediary that delivers optical fibers directly to the tissue site through a small gauge needle, providing real-time visualization without requiring external imaging equipment like MRI, thereby eliminating scheduling delays and reducing diagnostic information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates a direct optical copy of the tissue site through the optical fibers, allowing real-time visualization of the internal tissue environment without needing to schedule separate diagnostic imaging procedures, thus eliminating time loss and providing immediate diagnostic information
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive percutaneous procedures are used, then recovery time and post-operative pain are reduced, but visualization of internal tissue sites becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device nests the optical fibers and visualization system within a small gauge needle, allowing the complex visualization apparatus to be delivered through a minimally invasive percutaneous approach, thereby maintaining reduced recovery time while enabling adequate tissue site visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external imaging approaches to internal direct visualization by inserting optical fibers through the tissue, changing the dimension of access from external to internal, which maintains minimally invasive benefits while solving the visualization difficulty
4Measurement precision
If extensive diagnostic procedures are performed before treatment, then accurate diagnosis is achieved, but recovery time is extended and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges diagnostic visualization and therapeutic treatment into a single percutaneous probe, allowing accurate diagnosis and treatment to be performed through the same minimally invasive access point, thereby eliminating the need for separate extensive diagnostic procedures and reducing overall recovery time
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 visualization and minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery time and post-operative pain, while allowing for precise delivery of therapeutic agents directly to tissue sites without the need for extensive diagnostic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate optical element extending through the probe, the optical element having a proximal end in optical communication with the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.