3D Optical Colonoscopy Scanning for Small Polyp Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colonoscopy systems struggle to accurately detect and treat polyps and adenomas, particularly those under 6 mm in size, due to limited visual contrast, colon folds blocking the view, and the need for improved tissue scanning and physician guidance.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized optical scanning system integrated within an endoscope using near-infrared cameras and VCSEL sources, combined with advanced software for three-dimensional modeling and polyp detection, to provide real-time guidance and accurate localization of polyps and adenomas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard visible light endoscopy is used, then the system is simple and widely available, but polyp detection accuracy is insufficient due to poor visual contrast and inability to detect small polyps under 6 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from visible light to near-infrared light wavelength parameter change, enabling deeper tissue penetration and enhanced contrast for detecting small polyps that are invisible or indistinct under standard visible light endoscopy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical protrusions (Endocuff, G-EYE, EndoRings) with a non-contact optical scanning system using VCSELs and NIR cameras, eliminating mechanical complexity while achieving fold flattening and polyp detection through light-based methods
2Measurement precision
If mechanical systems like Endocuff, G-EYE, or EndoRings are used to flatten colon folds, then polyp visibility improves, but procedure complexity increases and risk of colon injury rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical fold-flattening devices with a non-contact optical scanning approach using near-infrared light, achieving polyp visualization without physical contact that could cause colon perforation or injury
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces near-infrared light as an intermediary medium to penetrate and visualize through colon folds without mechanical contact, using light scattering and absorption properties to enhance polyp detection while avoiding mechanical trauma
3Area of stationary object
If multiple side-facing cameras are used to capture wide-angle views, then more colon surface is visible, but the system becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single multi-functional optical module that combines VCSEL light sources, NIR cameras, and processing capabilities to achieve panoramic visualization and polyp detection, replacing multiple separate camera systems with one integrated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D endoscopic images to 3D point cloud reconstruction using spatial coordinates from multiple viewpoints, enabling comprehensive colon surface mapping and polyp localization in three-dimensional space
4Measurement precision
If 2D images are used for polyp detection, then the system is simple to operate, but detection accuracy is limited due to lack of depth information and false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system reconstructs three-dimensional point clouds from two-dimensional camera images by calculating spatial coordinates, restoring depth information lost in 2D imaging and enabling accurate polyp detection and localization in 3D space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the colon interior geometry from optical scans, allowing virtual visualization and measurement without distorting the original anatomical structure, and enabling polyp detection with precise spatial context
5Extent of automation
If AI-based detection is used on 2D images, then automation increases, but false positive rate remains high due to featureless colon images
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances AI detection reliability by providing three-dimensional point cloud data with spatial context and depth information, allowing algorithms to distinguish true polyps from false positives based on geometric features that are absent in 2D images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates accurate 3D digital copies of colon geometry that preserve anatomical features and spatial relationships, enabling AI systems to analyze structural patterns and reduce false positives by understanding the true three-dimensional context of detected anomalies
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
Enhances polyp detection accuracy, ensures complete colon scanning, and provides real-time treatment guidance, reducing miss rates and procedure time, while being non-intrusive to the endoscopic procedure.
Implementation Method 1
VCSEL sources
Implementation Method 2
near-infrared cameras
Data Source
AI summary
Described are colonoscopy systems and methods of using such systems. The colonoscopy systems may include an optical scanning system having at least one illuminator configured to produce spatially patterned light and solid light in at least one frame to illuminate tissue within the colon, and at least one camera configured to capture the at least one image of the illuminated tissue within the colon. Additionally, the optical scanning system may include at least one control system configured to construct at least one three dimensional point cloud representations of the tissue within the colon and detect at least one feature of interest using the at least one three dimensional point cloud and a pre-trained artificial intelligence engine.