VNIR Arthroscopic Probe for Objective Cartilage Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic cartilage assessment relies heavily on subjective surgeon perception, lacking objective and quantitative methods for evaluating cartilage quality during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of a visible-near infrared (VNIR) arthroscopic probe device with optical fibers and a spectrometer system for real-time compositional analysis of joint tissues, providing objective quantitative data on cartilage properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical probing methods are used for cartilage assessment, then the procedure is simple and commonly performed, but the assessment remains subjective and lacks objective quantification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical probing system with an optical measurement system. Instead of relying on mechanical contact and subjective tactile assessment, the invention uses optical fibers to transmit light through the cartilage tissue and detect spectral characteristics. This substitution of mechanical assessment with optical measurement enables objective, quantitative analysis of cartilage properties such as water content, collagen content, and tissue composition, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the light source and the cartilage tissue. The optical fibers serve as a mediator that transmits light through the tissue without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex instrumentation. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system while enabling objective measurement, as the optical fibers can be easily integrated into existing arthroscopic equipment without adding significant complexity.
2Measurement precision
If NIR spectroscopy is used to provide objective cartilage evaluation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical measurement system to be multi-functional and universally applicable. The same optical fiber bundle used for NIR spectroscopy can also serve as a light source for illumination and a detector for spectral analysis. The system is designed to work with existing arthroscopic equipment, allowing the optical measurement functionality to be integrated without requiring entirely new specialized devices. This universality approach enables objective cartilage composition quantification while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (absorbance, reflectance, transmission) of light through the cartilage tissue to quantify compositional properties. By measuring how the tissue modifies light at different wavelengths, the system can objectively determine water content, collagen content, and other tissue characteristics. This parameter-based approach provides precise quantification while keeping the measurement system relatively simple, as it relies on fundamental optical properties rather than complex instrumentation.
3Device complexity
If optical fibers are positioned internally within the probe shaft, then the probe structure is simplified, but the optical signal quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the optical fibers are positioned internally within the probe shaft, with the fibers nested within a protective conduit or sheath. This nested arrangement simplifies the overall probe structure by integrating the optical components within the existing shaft architecture, eliminating the need for separate external fiber positioning mechanisms. The nested design maintains optical signal quality by protecting the fibers from mechanical damage and maintaining proper light transmission paths while keeping the probe assembly compact and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (such as a transparent conduit or sheath) between the optical fibers and the external environment. This intermediary structure protects the optical fibers while maintaining optical signal quality by providing a controlled light transmission path. The intermediary element acts as a mediator that isolates the fibers from potential sources of damage or signal interference while allowing the optical signals to pass through to the tissue interface, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and signal reliability.
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, non-destructive, and real-time evaluation of cartilage composition, guiding therapeutic management with objective quantitative information.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical fiber, wherein a first end of the at least one optical fiber is optically connected to the probe tip, wherein the at least one optical fiber is positioned internally to the probe shaft, handle and cable
Implementation Method 2
Infrared spectroscopy is based on absorbance of infrared light by tissue functional groups at specific vibrational frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
An arthroscopic probe system comprises a spectrometer, a computing system connected to the spectrometer and an arthroscopic probe device comprising a probe shaft including a proximal end and probe tip positioned at a distal end, a handle including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the handle is connected to the proximal end of the probe shaft, a cable including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the proximal end of the handle, and at least one optical fiber, wherein a first end of the at least one optical fiber is optically connected to the probe tip, wherein the at least one optical fiber is positioned internally to the probe shaft, handle and cable, and wherein a second end of the at least one optical fiber terminates at the second end of the cable.