Tonometric Lens Palpation Device for Tissue Stiffness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer screening methods, such as mammography and breast self-examination, face challenges in accurately detecting and quantifying palpable masses, leading to unnecessary tests and treatments, and lack a cost-effective, user-friendly tool for home monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A palpation device with a tonometric lens and force sensor that visually differentiates healthy from diseased tissue by measuring mechanical stiffness, equipped with a reflective coating and radiation source for imaging, allowing for the tracking of palpable mass characteristics over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mammographic imaging is used for breast cancer screening, then early-stage cancers can be detected, but radiation exposure risks and false positive findings occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiation-based mammography system with a tactile sensing system that uses mechanical contact through a sensor array to detect tissue stiffness variations. The force sensors measure mechanical properties of breast tissue directly, eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining detection capability through tactile feedback mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If breast self-examination is used for screening, then no radiation exposure occurs, but detection accuracy and quantification capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform self-examination with enhanced capability by providing a handheld sensor array that they can apply to their own breast tissue. The system maintains simplicity for patient use while incorporating sophisticated force sensing and image processing capabilities that automatically quantify tissue characteristics, combining ease of use with precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances manual self-examination by replacing simple tactile sensing with an instrumented sensor array that provides quantitative mechanical feedback. The force sensors and image processing system transform subjective tactile perception into objective, measurable data about tissue stiffness and mass characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If physical examination with palpation is used, then no expensive equipment is needed, but quantitative measurement of tissue characteristics is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces qualitative manual palpation with a sensor array that provides quantitative mechanical measurements. The force sensors embedded in the sensor array measure tissue stiffness, deformation, and mechanical properties objectively, transforming subjective physical examination into quantifiable data while maintaining relative simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through image processing that displays tissue characteristics and sensor readings to the user. This feedback mechanism enables quantitative assessment of tissue properties during examination, allowing patients and physicians to objectively monitor changes in breast tissue mechanics over time.
4Productivity
If conventional screening methods are used, then screening can be performed, but unnecessary biopsies and treatments are performed due to lack of quantitative evidence
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides quantitative feedback about tissue mechanical properties through the sensor array and image processing system. By objectively measuring tissue stiffness, deformation characteristics, and other mechanical parameters, the system enables more accurate differentiation between benign and malignant lesions, reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies while maintaining efficient screening throughput.
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
Enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces unnecessary biopsies, and provides a cost-effective means for patients and physicians to monitor breast health, enabling early detection and risk stratification.
Implementation Method 1
The lens comprises a body having a reflective coating on an outer surface. The body includes a body material that is as stiff or stiffer than the tissue of interest and less stiff than the embedded object.
Implementation Method 2
The lens comprises a body having a reflective coating on an outer surface. The radiation source is positioned to illuminate the reflective coating such that a topography of the coating can be observed.
Data Source
AI summary
A palpation device for palpation of tissues for characterization (e.g., qualification and/or quantification) of subcutaneous structures is provided. The palpation device includes a frame formed from a substantially rigid material and comprising an opening; a tonometric lens extending through the opening of the frame; and a radiation source. The lens is configured to at least partially impinge a tissue of interest to identify an object embedded therein. The lens includes a body having a reflective coating on an outer surface thereof. The radiation source is positioned to illuminate the reflective coating such that a topography of the coating can be observed. The body includes a body material that is as stiff or stiffer than the tissue of interest and less stiff than the embedded object to be characterized. A system including the palpation device and an image device for obtaining an image through the lens is also provided.