Wide Field of View Single Cell Analysis System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for in-vivo tissue analysis during surgical tumor removal are limited by small field of view and depth of field, making it difficult to definitively determine if all cancer cells have been removed, leading to unnecessary post-surgical treatments.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system with a wide field of view and high analysis resolution, using an excitation source, optical receptor, filter assembly, and image processor to analyze tissue in real-time, allowing for the identification of residual cancer cells intra-operatively and marking areas for focused post-operative treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical probes with high sensitivity are used for single-cell analysis, then detection capability is improved, but field of view and depth of field are constrained to tens of microns
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection area into multiple regions by using an array of optical probes arranged in a grid pattern. Each probe detects cells in its local region, and the combined data provides coverage across a large field of view while maintaining single-cell resolution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high measurement precision and large area coverage simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a two-dimensional array of detection points. By arranging optical probes in a grid across the tissue surface, the system creates a dimensional expansion that enables simultaneous single-cell analysis across a large field of view, effectively solving the contradiction between detection precision and field of view.
2Measurement precision
If in-vitro pathological analysis is performed to provide careful cellular-level analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but additional tissue removal is required and definitive determination of complete cancer cell removal cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cellular-level analysis in-vivo during the surgical procedure itself, before the tissue is removed and sent for pathological examination. By conducting the analysis at the time of surgery on the actual tumor bed, the system provides definitive real-time determination of whether all cancer cells have been removed, eliminating the need for subsequent in-vitro analysis and avoiding unnecessary re-excision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical probes as intermediaries to detect cancer cells directly in the tissue during surgery. These probes serve as mediators between the surgeon and the cancer cells, enabling direct visualization and identification of residual tumor cells without requiring tissue removal and pathological processing, thus providing definitive intra-operative assessment.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard in-vitro analysis is used to examine margins, then analysis can be conducted in controlled environment, but post-surgical radiation therapy is often unnecessarily prescribed due to uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of tissue removal and in-vitro pathological examination with an optical detection system that analyzes cells directly in-vivo. By using optical probes to visualize and detect cancer cells during surgery, the system eliminates the need for subsequent radiation therapy decisions based on uncertain in-vitro results, thereby avoiding unnecessary harmful treatment while maintaining analysis capability.
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, real-time analysis of tissue pathology in-vivo, reducing the need for post-surgical radiation therapy and sparing patients from unnecessary treatment and associated morbidity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation source configured to cause an object having a plurality of cells to emit, reflect, or fluoresce light
Implementation Method 2
an optical receptor configured to receive the light from the object
Implementation Method 3
a filter assembly configured to receive the light from the optical receptor and filter the light
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for medical imaging employs an excitation source configured to cause an object having a plurality of cells to at least one of emit, reflect, and fluoresce light. An optical receptor is employed that is configured to receive the light from the object. A filter assembly receives the light from the optical receptor and filters the light. An image processor having a field of view (FOV) substantially greater than a diameter of a cell of the object and an analysis resolution substantially matched to the diameter of a cell of the object that receives the filtered light from the filter and analyzes the filtered light corresponding to each cell in the FOV. A feedback system is provided that is configured to provide an indication of a state of each cell in the FOV and a location of a cell in the FOV meeting a predetermined condition.