TRUS-FD-DOI Probe for Prostate Cancer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for prostate cancer, such as TRUS, lack accuracy in differentiating aggressive from indolent prostate cancer, leading to inadequate detection and treatment, and there is a need for a reliable imaging tool that can provide anatomical information for improved prostate cancer detection and diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A TRUS-integrated frequency-domain diffuse optical imaging (FD-DOI) system with a clip-on cap that combines ultrasound transducer data with DOT data using a hierarchical clustering method to enhance spatial resolution and accuracy in prostate cancer imaging, allowing for the identification of suspicious regions with higher light scatter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TRUS is used for prostate cancer detection, then anatomical information is obtained, but measurement precision for differentiating aggressive from indolent cancer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines TRUS anatomical imaging with FD-DOI functional imaging into a single integrated probe system. The TRUS transducer and FD-DOI optodes are co-located to simultaneously acquire both anatomical and functional information, eliminating the need for separate imaging sessions and enabling precise correlation between structural and metabolic characteristics of prostate tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe serves multiple functions: TRUS provides anatomical imaging and localization, while FD-DOI provides functional information about tissue metabolism and oxygenation. This multi-functional system allows a single device to perform both structural assessment and functional characterization, improving cancer detection precision without requiring multiple separate tools.
2Loss of information
If FD-DOI is used for prostate cancer detection, then functional information is obtained, but spatial resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
TRUS serves as an intermediary that provides high-resolution anatomical framework to guide and interpret FD-DOI functional data. The precise anatomical localization from TRUS acts as a spatial reference system that enhances the inherently lower spatial resolution of FD-DOI, allowing functional abnormalities to be accurately mapped to specific anatomical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging TRUS anatomical data with FD-DOI functional data in a unified imaging system, the patent achieves both high spatial resolution from ultrasound and rich functional information from optical imaging. The co-registered datasets allow functional abnormalities detected by FD-DOI to be precisely localized using TRUS anatomical landmarks.
3Measurement precision
If integrated TRUS-FD-DOI system is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional modules: TRUS transducer elements, FD-DOI light sources, detectors, and associated electronics. Each module operates semi-independently with its own signal processing chain, allowing for modular design, easier manufacturing, and simplified maintenance while maintaining the integrated functionality needed for high-precision cancer detection.
4Measurement precision
If hierarchical clustering method is used for data analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time in processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data analysis is segmented into hierarchical levels: first dividing the prostate volume into coarse anatomical regions based on TRUS imaging, then progressively subdividing suspicious regions into finer clusters. This multi-scale approach reduces the total number of comparisons needed while maintaining detection accuracy, as not all regions require equally detailed analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
TRUS anatomical imaging performs preliminary localization of suspicious regions before FD-DOI functional analysis is applied. This preliminary anatomical assessment guides subsequent optical imaging and data analysis, focusing computational resources on regions most likely to contain abnormalities and reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision.
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
The system improves the spatial resolution and accuracy of prostate cancer imaging by correlating anatomical information from ultrasound with optical data, enabling more precise detection of aggressive prostate cancer lesions and reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies and overtreatment.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound transducer for collecting anatomical data about a tissue
Implementation Method 2
a first light emitter disposed in proximity to the ultrasound transducer for emitting light into a first location of the tissue; and a first light detector disposed in proximity to the ultrasound transducer for detecting the emitted light from the first light emitter within the first location of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic imaging device includes a probe that uses both an ultrasound transducer and frequency-domain diffuse optical imaging (FD-DOI) to assist with locating and diagnosing sub-tissue anomalies. According to one aspect, the diagnostic imaging device relates to a clip-on cap that can be utilized with existing ultrasound transducers. The diagnostic imaging device described herein can be utilized for image-guided needle biopsy to regions where prostate tissues are highly suspicious for high-grade cancer, as well as for image guided interventions, such as cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and brachytherapy for early-stage or localized prostate cancer.