TISSUE-CHARACTERIZATION PROBE WITH EFFECTIVE SENSOR-TO-TISSUE CONTACT

摘要

A device for substance-characterization, designed for effective sensor-to-substance contact, includes an element, having a rigid surface, on which at least one sensor is arranged, and a mechanism for causing a force to be applied to a soft, pliable substance, the line of force being at a sharp angle with the rigid surface, for stretching or stretching and pushing the soft substance against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the substance 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 substance, for example, by small-scale computerized tomography. Alternatively, the device comprises a structure; a first mechanism, configured for exerting a first force on a substance, for fixing the substance to the structure, so as to substantially immobilize the substance; and a second mechanism, configured for pressing at least one sensor against an external surface of the immobilized substance, thereby exerting a second force on the immobilized substance, wherein at least a component of the first force is in opposition to at least a component of the second force, forcing the immobilized substance against the at least one sensor, and forcing the at least one sensor against the immobilized substance, bringing about an effective contact between the at least one sensor and the immobilized substance. The substance may be tissue, ex-vivo or in situ, or a biopsy sample. Alternatively, it may be another soft, pliable substance, such as hydrogel or an elastomer.