Tissue-characterization probe with effective sensor-to-tissue contact

• US 20070032747A1
• Filed: 02/09/2006
• Published: 02/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dune Medical Devices Ltd. (Dilon Technologies LLC)
• Original Assignee: Dune Medical Devices Ltd. (Dilon Technologies LLC)
• Inventors: Geltner, Iddo, Hashimshony, Dan, Cohen, Gil
• Granted Patent: US 8,116,845 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/587
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/015 By temperature mapping of body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0536 Impedance imaging, e.g. by tomography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/055 involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/103 Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes A61B5/08 takes precedence; measuring aids for tailors A41H1/00; measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry A61C19/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4312 Breast evaluation or disorder diagnosis A61B5/0091 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6834 using vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6843 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6844 Monitoring or controlling distance between sensor and tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6885 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6886 Monitoring or controlling distance between sensor and tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/032 Transmission computed tomography [CT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4417 related to combined acquisition of different diagnostic modalities
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/5247 combining images from an ionising-radiation diagnostic technique and a non-ionising radiation diagnostic technique, e.g. X-ray and ultrasound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/13 Tomography A61B8/10, A61B8/12 take precedence; tomography for radiation diagnosis A61B6/02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for tissue-characterization, designed for effective sensor-to-tissue contact. The device includes an element, having a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, on which at least one sensor is arranged, and a mechanism for applying a force to a soft tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching or stretching and pushing the soft tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the at least one sensor. In consequence, the accuracy of the sensing is improved. In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of sensors is employed, arranged along a curved element, for providing three-dimensional information regarding the tissue, for example, by small-scale computerized tomography.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

an element, which defines a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, configured to make contact with a tissue;

at least one sensor, in physical contact with the rigid surface; and

a mechanism, adapted for applying a force to the tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching the tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the rigid surface.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the stretching further includes stretching and pushing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the acute angle is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the effective contact is a contact level of at least 95%.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the effective contact is a contact level of at least 99%.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the effective contact is a contact level of at least 99.5%.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the effective contact is a contact level of at least 99.8%.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an irradiative sensor of a wavelength λ

, and an average distance t1, between external-most surfaces of the tissue and the sensor, is such that t1<

λ

/3.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an irradiative sensor of a wavelength λ

, and an average distance t1 between external-most surfaces of the tissue and the sensor is such that t1<

λ

/10.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an irradiative sensor of a wavelength λ

, and an average distance t1, between external-most surfaces of the tissue and the sensor is such that t1<

λ

/100.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein an average distance t1, between external-most surfaces of the tissue and the sensor, is less than 500 Angstroms.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein an average distance t1, between external-most surfaces of the tissue and the sensor, is less than 50 Angstroms.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein an average distance t1, between external-most surfaces of the tissue and the sensor, is less than 5 Angstroms.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is an irradiative sensor, selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, an X-ray sensor, an RF sensor, a MW sensor, an infrared thermography sensor, and an ultrasound sensor.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of an MR sensor, an impedance sensor, a temperature sensor, a biosensor, a chemical sensor, a radioactive-emission sensor, a nonirradiative RF sensor, and a mechanical sensor.

16. The device of claim 1, and further comprising a plurality of sensors.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least two different types of sensors.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least two different types of sensors, selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, X-ray sensors, RF sensors, MW sensors, infrared thermography sensors, ultrasound sensors, MR sensors, impedance sensors, temperature sensors, biosensors, chemical sensors, radioactive-emission sensors, mechanical sensors, and nonirradiative RF sensors.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the element defines a curvature for obtaining three-dimensional information, and further wherein the plurality of sensors includes at least two sensors, arranged along the curvature, each defining a viewing angle, the at least two sensors sharing a portion of their viewing angles so as to obtain three-dimensional information.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the plurality of sensors includes at least four sensors, arranged as at least two pairs of sensors, each pair being of substantially identical sensors, and each pair representing a different type of sensor, for providing three-dimensional information by at least two modalities.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein the three-dimensional information includes small-scale computerized tomography.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is suction.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is tweezers-like.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein the mechanism exerts physical pressure on the tissue.

25. A tissue-characterization probe, comprising:

a housing, which defines proximal and distal ends, with respect to a tissue;

an element, at the proximal end of the probe, the element defining a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, configured to make contact with the tissue;

a mechanism, adapted for applying a force to the tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching the tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the rigid surface;

at least one sensor, in physical contact with the rigid surface; and

at least one signal communication line, for providing communication between a signal analyzer and the at least one sensor.

26. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 25, wherein the mechanism is suction.

27. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 26, wherein a pump, which provides the suction, is arranged within the housing.

28. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 26, wherein the suction is provided by a channel, arranged within the housing and in communication with an external vacuum source.

29. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 28, wherein the channel is further operative to drain off tissue fluids.

30. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 25, configured for an application, selected from the group consisting of extracorporeal application to a skin, intracorporeal insertion through a body lumen, intracorporeal insertion for a minimally invasive procedure, and application to subcutaneous tissue, during open surgery.

31. A tissue-characterization system, comprising:

a housing, which defines proximal and distal ends, with respect to a tissue;

an element, at the proximal end of the probe, the element defining a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, configured to make contact with a tissue;

a mechanism, adapted for applying a force to the tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching the tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the rigid surface;

at least one sensor, in physical contact with the rigid surface;

a signal analyzer; and

at least one signal communication line, for providing communication between the signal analyzer and the at least one sensor.

32. A method of tissue characterization, comprising:

providing a tissue characterization probe, which comprises;

an element, which defines a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, configured to make contact with a tissue;

at least one sensor, in physical contact with the rigid surface; and

a mechanism, adapted for applying a force to the tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching the tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the rigid surface;

applying a force to the tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching the tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the rigid surface; and

characterizing the tissue with the at least one sensor.

33. A device, comprising:

an element, which defines a surface with a curvature in a first direction, the curvature being at least greater than that of a circle having a diameter of 8 cm; and

at least two sensors, arranged along the curvature, each defining a viewing angle into a volume, the at least two sensors sharing a portion of their viewing angles so as to obtain three-dimensional information of the volume.

34. The device of claim 33, wherein the curvature is greater than that of a circle having a diameter of about 6 cm.

35. The device of claim 33, wherein the curvature is greater than that of a circle having a diameter of about 4 cm.

36. The device of claim 33, wherein the curvature is greater than that of a circle having a diameter of about 2 cm.

37. The device of claim 33, wherein the curvature is greater than that of a circle having a diameter of about 1 cm.

38. The device of claim 33, wherein the curvature is greater than that of a circle having a diameter of about 0.8 cm.

39. The device of claim 33, wherein the at least two sensors include at least four sensors, arranged as at least two pairs of sensors, each pair being of substantially identical sensors arranged along the curvature, and each pair representing a different type of sensors, for providing three-dimensional information by at least two modalities.

40. A tissue-characterization probe, comprising:

a housing, which defines proximal and distal ends, with respect to a tissue, an element, which defines a surface with a curvature in a first direction, the curvature being at least greater than that of a circle having a diameter of 8 cm;

at least two sensors, arranged along the curvature, each defining a viewing angle into a volume, the at least two sensors sharing a portion of their viewing angles so as to obtain three-dimensional information of the volume; and

a signal communication architecture, for providing communication between a signal analyzer and the at least two sensors.

41. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 40, configured for insertion to a body lumen.

42. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 40, configured for insertion intracorporeally, for minimally invasive procedures.

43. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 40, configured for application to subcutaneous tissue, during open surgery.

44. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 40, configured for extracorporeal application, wherein the tissue is a skin.

45. A tissue-characterization system, comprising:

a housing, which defines proximal and distal ends, with respect to a tissue,

an element, which defines a surface with a curvature in a first direction, the curvature being at least greater than that of a circle having a diameter of 8 cm; and

at least two sensors, arranged along the curvature, each defining a viewing angle into a volume, the at least two sensors sharing a portion of their viewing angles so as to obtain three-dimensional information of the volume;

a signal analyzer; and

a signal communication architecture, for providing communication between a signal analyzer and one of the at least two sensors.

46. A method of tissue characterization, for obtaining three-dimensional information of a volumetric region within the tissue, comprising:

providing an element, which defines a surface with a curvature in a first direction, having a diameter which is less than 8 cm; and

arranging at least two sensors on the curvature, each defining a viewing angle into a volumetric region, the at least two sensors sharing a portion of their viewing angles;

performing measurements with the at least two sensors; and

analyzing the measurements to obtain the three-dimensional information of the volume.

47. A method of tissue characterization, comprising:

providing an element, which defines a surface with a curvature in a first direction, the curvature having a diameter which is less than 8 cm;

arranging at least two pairs of sensors along the curvature, each pair being of substantially identical sensors, and each pair representing a different type of sensors, for providing three-dimensional information by at least two modalities;

performing measurements with the at least two pairs of sensors; and

analyzing the measurements to obtain the three-dimensional information of a volume, by the at least two modalities.

48. A device for tissue characterization, comprising:

a structure, formed of a rigid surface configured as a truncated cone, having a first cross-sectional configuration defining a diameter and having a second cross-sectional configuration defining an axis;

a first mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for causing a force to be exerted on a tissue, in a direction, along the axis, at an acute angle α

to the rigid surface, for fixing the tissue to the structure, so as to substantially immobilize the tissue; and

a second mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for pressing at least one piston sensor against an external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting a counter force on the immobilized tissue,

wherein at least a component of the force is in opposition to at least a component of the counter force, forcing the immobilized tissue against the at least one piston sensor, and forcing the at least one piston sensor against the immobilized tissue, bringing about an effective contact between the at least one piston sensor and the immobilized tissue.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein the at least one piston sensor includes at least two piston sensors of a same type.

50. The device of claim 48, wherein the at least one piston sensor includes at least two piston sensors of different types.

51. The device of claim 48, and further including at least one cone sensor, arranged on the rigid surface.

52. The device of claim 48, and further including at least two cone sensors, arranged on the rigid surface of the linear cross section.

53. The device of claim 52, wherein the at least two cone sensors are arranged along the curvature, each cone sensor defining a viewing angle, the at least two cone sensors sharing a portion of their viewing angles so as to obtain three-dimensional information.

54. The device of claim 51, wherein the at least one cone sensor includes at least four cone sensors, arranged as at least two pairs of cone sensors, each pair being of substantially identical cone sensors, and each pair representing a different type of cone sensor, for providing three-dimensional information by at least two modalities.

55. The device of claim 48, wherein the first mechanism is a suction source, for fixing and substantially immobilizing the tissue, by suction.

56. A tissue characterization probe, comprising:

a housing;

a structure, formed of a rigid surface of a conical cross-section, having a diameter in a first direction and an axis in a second direction, and a rigid surface;

a first mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for exerting a force on a tissue, in the second direction, along the axis, at an acute angle α

to the rigid surface, for fixing the tissue to the structure, so as to substantially immobilize the tissue; and

a second mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for pressing at least one piston sensor against an external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting a counter force on the immobilized tissue,

wherein at least a component of the force is in opposition to at least a component of the counter force, forcing the immobilized tissue against the at least one piston sensor, and forcing the piston sensor against the immobilized tissue, bringing about an effective contact between the at least one piston sensor and the immobilized tissue; and

a signal communication architecture, for providing communication between a signal analyzer and the at least one piston sensor.

57. The tissue-characterization probe of claim 56, configured for an application, selected from the group consisting of extracorporeal application to a skin, intracorporeal insertion through a body lumen, intracorporeal insertion for a minimally invasive procedure, and application to subcutaneous tissue, during open surgery.

58. A system for tissue characterization, comprising:

a housing;

a structure, formed of a rigid surface of a conical cross-section, having a diameter in a first direction and an axis in a second direction, and a rigid surface;

a first mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for exerting a force on a tissue, in the second direction, along the axis, at an acute angle α

to the rigid surface, for fixing the tissue to the structure, so as to substantially immobilize the tissue; and

a second mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for pressing at least one piston sensor against an external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting a counter force on the immobilized tissue,

wherein at least a component of the force is in opposition to at least a component of the counter force, forcing the immobilized tissue against the at least one piston sensor, and forcing the piston sensor against the immobilized tissue, bringing about an effective contact between the at least one piston sensor and the immobilized tissue;

a signal analyzer; and

a signal communication architecture, for providing communication between the signal analyzer and the at least one piston sensor.

59. A method for tissue characterization, comprising:

providing a device for tissue characterization, which comprises;

a structure, formed of a rigid surface of a conical cross-section, having a diameter in a first direction and an axis in a second direction, and a rigid surface;

a first mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for applying a force to on a tissue, in a second direction along the axis, at an acute angle α

to the rigid surface, for fixing the tissue to the structure, so as to substantially immobilize the tissue; and

a second mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for pressing at least one piston sensor against an external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting a counter force on the immobilized tissue,

wherein at least a component of the force is in opposition to at least a component of the counter force, forcing the immobilized tissue against the at least one piston sensor, and forcing the at least one piston sensor against the immobilized tissue, bringing about an effective contact between the at least one piston sensor and the immobilized tissue;

fixing the tissue to the structure, thus substantially immobilizing the tissue; and

pressing the at least one piston sensor against the external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting the counter force on the immobilized tissue, wherein at least the component of the force is in opposition to at least the component of the counter force, forcing the immobilized tissue against the at least one piston sensor, and forcing the at least one piston sensor against the immobilized tissue, thus bringing about the effective contact between the at least one piston sensor and the immobilized tissue; and

characterizing the tissue with the at least one piston sensor.