Translating Ring Interface for Diffuse Optical Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer screening methods, such as X-ray mammography and MRI, face limitations including ionizing radiation, high costs, variable specificity, and patient discomfort, while ultrasound imaging is unsuitable for front-line screening due to operator variability and low specificity.
Innovation Solution
Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) uses near-infrared light to characterize breast tissue through non-ionizing radiation, employing a translating ring interface that accommodates various breast sizes and shapes with minimal compression, allowing for 3-D imaging and detection of tumors by measuring changes in chromophore composition and scattering properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-ray mammography is used for breast cancer screening, then screening capability is provided, but ionizing radiation exposure and patient discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/X-ray imaging system with an optical imaging system using near-infrared light. DOT uses light in the red to near-infrared wavelength range to probe breast tissue, substituting ionizing radiation with non-ionizing optical energy that is safer for repeated screening
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of radiation type from ionizing (X-ray) to non-ionizing (near-infrared light). This parameter change allows screening to be performed more frequently without radiation accumulation risks, while still providing cancer detection capability through optical absorption and scattering measurements
2Measurement precision
If MRI is used for high-risk breast cancer monitoring, then detailed imaging is achieved, but high cost and variable specificity hinder general use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective optical imaging system that uses inexpensive near-infrared light sources and detectors compared to expensive MRI systems. DOT provides sufficient screening capability at a fraction of MRI cost, making it suitable for population-wide screening rather than just high-risk monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging modality parameter from magnetic resonance to optical tomography, using light absorption and scattering properties of tissue to generate images. This parameter change reduces system cost while maintaining adequate diagnostic information through multi-wavelength optical measurements
3Reliability
If ultrasound imaging is used for mass differentiation, then second-line diagnostic capability is provided, but operator variability and low specificity limit front-line screening use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasound imaging system with an optical imaging system. DOT uses light propagation through tissue to generate images that are less dependent on operator skill, as the optical measurements and image reconstruction are more standardized and automated compared to ultrasound interpretation
4Device complexity
If a fixed imaging interface is used, then simple structure is maintained, but inability to accommodate various breast sizes reduces imaging coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static imaging interface into a dynamic, adjustable system. The translating ring interface can move vertically and horizontally to accommodate different breast sizes and positions, allowing the same device to adapt to various patients without requiring multiple fixed interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal imaging interface that can handle all breast sizes through translation and adjustment mechanisms. The single translating ring interface serves multiple functions: accommodating different breast dimensions, maintaining optical contact, and enabling full 3-D imaging coverage regardless of patient anatomy
5Measurement precision
If compression is applied during imaging, then contact between optical inputs/outputs and breast surface is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression with optical focusing mechanisms. The translating ring interface brings optical fibers into gentle contact with the breast surface through translation rather than compression, and uses optical coupling techniques to ensure good light transmission without applying uncomfortable pressure
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
DOT provides a cost-effective, comfortable, and reliable method for breast cancer screening by differentiating cancerous lesions through physiological changes in tissue, offering improved sensitivity and specificity with minimal patient discomfort and comprehensive breast coverage.
Implementation Method 1
DOT uses low-intensity light in the near-infrared to infrared wavelength range to probe and characterize breast tissue... By using multiple wavelengths of light, it is possible to extract the concentrations of the primary light absorbers in the breast including oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, lipid and water
Implementation Method 2
light is also sensitive to scattering changes in tissue. Differences in the scattering properties of tissue, e.g., due to cellular changes such as enlarged and denser nuclei, can be used to detect breast cancer
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging interface for diffuse optical tomography of breast includes a plurality of concentric rings. Each concentric ring can include a plurality of optical input/output apertures arranged on a radially inner surface thereof. The rings can have different inner and outer diameters from each other and can be arranged in a stacked configuration. The rings can translate independently of each other along a central axis of the stack. During imaging the breast is inserted into an inner region of the stacked rings. The rings can be translated such that the optical input/output apertures are brought into touch contact (i.e., non-compressing contact) with the surface of the breast, so as to accommodate different size breasts. The rings may be translated such that the spacing between adjacent rings is increased for large breasts and reduced for smaller breasts. Rings may be removed or additional rings added to further accommodate additional breast sizes.