Optical catheters and methods for diagnosis of uterine cancer and fibroids

This technology is an optical catheter method for the analysis of uterine tissue using spectrometry without removing a sample from the patient.

Unmet Need: An affordable and minimally invasive diagnostic tool for uterine cancer and fibroids

Endometrial cancer and uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are common reproductive health disorders in women that often have overlapping symptoms. The current diagnostic methods for endometrial carcinoma and uterine fibroids include endometrial biopsy, curettage, and pelvic ultrasound, which can be expensive and painful. Thus, there remains a need to overcome these shortcomings with optical tools and processing methods that enable the differentiation of uterine cancer from normal tissue without the need for invasive and costly procedures.

The Technology: Optical catheter to differentiate uterine tissue using infrared and optical coherence tomography

The technology employs an optical catheter equipped with flexible, ridged, and contact-based probes. These probes facilitate the analysis of uterine tissue by capturing infrared and optical coherence tomography (OCT) reflectance signals. By utilizing spectrometry, the system distinguishes between normal and cancerous uterine tissue without the need to remove a sample from the patient. This approach aims to provide a less painful and cost-effective means of diagnosing endometrial carcinoma and uterine fibroids. Moreover, this technology could be extended to perform screening on at-risk patients.

Applications:

  • Diagnostic tool for uterine cancer and fibroids
  • Characterization tool for uterine cancer and uterine fibroids
  • Research tool for solid tumors
  • Potential use for diagnosing cancers in other organs
  • Surgical guidance apparatus
  • Preventative medicine for uterine cancers

Advantages:

  • Patient-friendly diagnostic tool
  • Cost-effective
  • Efficient real-time analysis
  • Non-surgical approach
  • Flexible probe design

Lead Inventor:

Christine Hendon, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending(US20240285227)

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