3D Vascular Imaging for Digestive Tract Mucosa Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and analyzing the mucosa of the digestive tract, such as using white light or narrowband endoscopes, struggle to accurately differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and fail to quantify mucosa conditions effectively, leading to increased difficulty in pathological diagnosis and early cancer detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves detecting and reconstructing 3D vascular contrasting images of the mucosa within a specific depth range, using techniques like optical coherence tomography, to acquire and analyze 2D vascular images, and perform quantitative analysis on vessel morphological features like area density and bendiness, aiding in the identification of pathological stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If white light is used to irradiate mucosa for observation, then the mucosa can be visualized, but it is difficult to visually differentiate between benign and malignant lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D surface imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by capturing optical signals at multiple depths and reconstructing them into three-dimensional representations of the mucosa. This dimensional enhancement reveals internal vascular structures and tissue architecture that are invisible in conventional 2D imaging, enabling differentiation between benign and malignant lesions based on their distinct three-dimensional morphological patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from surface-level optical reflection to depth-resolved optical signal detection. By measuring optical properties at multiple depth levels and reconstructing 3D images, the system transforms the observation parameters to include volumetric spatial distribution, vascular density, and tissue layering, providing quantitative metrics for lesion characterization.
2Measurement precision
If optical scanner with blue light is used to detect tumor region, then tumor regions can be identified by fluorescence disappearance, but benign inflammation regions cannot be distinguished due to similar fluorescence loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by examining vascular structures and tissue morphology at specific localized regions rather than relying on global fluorescence intensity. The 3D imaging system captures detailed local characteristics of blood vessels, including their distribution patterns, diameter variations, and spatial arrangements, which differ between benign inflammation and malignant tumors, enabling reliable differentiation at the local tissue level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the ambiguity of 2D fluorescence imaging by introducing three-dimensional spatial information. The 3D reconstructed images reveal the vertical and lateral distribution of vascular structures, showing that malignant tumors exhibit characteristic three-dimensional vascular patterns (such as irregular branching and increased vessel density) that distinguish them from benign inflammation, even when both show fluorescence loss.
3Measurement precision
If narrowband endoscope is used to observe squamous cell carcinoma, then sensitivity and specificity are improved, but the image penetration depth is limited to 240 μm and cannot quantify mucosa condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the imaging depth beyond the 240 μm limitation of narrowband endoscopy by implementing multi-depth optical signal acquisition and 3D reconstruction. The system captures optical signals from multiple depth levels within the mucosa and reconstructs them into three-dimensional images, enabling visualization and quantification of vascular structures and tissue morphology at greater depths while maintaining the sensitivity and specificity for cancer detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from limited-depth optical reflection to depth-resolved optical signal detection with quantitative capability. By measuring optical properties at multiple depth levels and reconstructing 3D images, the system provides quantitative metrics including vascular density, vessel diameter, and tissue layer thickness, enabling both deep imaging and numerical characterization of mucosa conditions.
4Loss of information
If single 2D image of mucosa is obtained, then epithelium and basement membrane can be observed, but connection relationships among layers are difficult to define and thickness measurement is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the limitation of 2D imaging by reconstructing three-dimensional images from multi-depth optical signals. The 3D representations clearly display the vertical stacking and spatial connection relationships among mucosal layers (epithelium, basement membrane, lamina propria), allowing precise definition of layer boundaries and measurement of thickness in the depth dimension, which are impossible to accurately determine from single 2D images.
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
This approach enhances the ability to distinguish between different pathological stages and improve early cancer detection by providing detailed, quantitative insights into vessel morphology, thereby increasing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a plurality of reply signals from the mucosa of the digestive tract within a depth range
Implementation Method 2
transmitting a light into the mucosa of the digestive tract within a depth range, and receiving the reply signals from the mucosa
Implementation Method 3
acquiring a plurality of 2D vascular images of the mucosa of the digestive tract within the depth range by performing a vascular enhancement on the plurality of reply signals
Implementation Method 4
constructing a 3D vascular contrasting image of at least part of the mucosa of the digestive tract within the depth range by recombining at least part of the plurality of 2D vascular images
Implementation Method 5
reconstructing a 3D vascular contrasting projection image of the at least part of the mucosa of the digestive tract within the depth range by performing a projection process to the 3D vascular contrasting image
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for detecting and analyzing a mucosa of a digestive tract are provided. The method includes detecting reply signals from the mucosa of the digestive tract within a depth range, acquiring 2D vascular images by performing a vascular enhancement on the reply signals, constructing a 3D vascular contrasting image of at least part of the mucosa of the digestive tract within the depth range by recombining at least part of the 2D vascular images, and reconstructing a 3D vascular contrasting projection image by performing a projection process to the 3D vascular contrasting image, and defining a stage of the mucosa of the digestive tract within the depth range according to the 3D vascular contrasting projection image, the 3D vascular contrasting image, the 2D vascular images, and vessel morphologies shown therein.