Acoustic-Enhanced OCT Imaging for Angiographic Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques, particularly ultrasound drug delivery, face challenges in providing high-resolution, real-time images for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment, especially in early tumor detection and monitoring, which limits their effectiveness in improving treatment efficiency and minimizing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of optical coherence tomography (OCT) with focused ultrasound (FUS) and pulsed ultrasound (PUS), along with ultrasound-sensitive media such as microbubbles, enhances image contrast and depth, allowing for real-time monitoring and improved ultrasound treatment efficiency while reducing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultrasound techniques are used for drug delivery, then treatment efficiency is improved, but image resolution and real-time monitoring capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system with focused ultrasound (FUS) and pulsed ultrasound (PUS) treatment system into a single integrated device. The OCT module provides high-resolution structural imaging while the ultrasound modules enable drug delivery treatment, allowing real-time monitoring of treatment effects with image contrast enhancement up to 13.5 times through the integration of these complementary technologies.
2Measurement precision
If conventional OCT imaging is used, then structural images are obtained, but functional imaging and contrast enhancement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated imaging device performs multiple functions: structural imaging via OCT, functional imaging through ultrasound-enhanced contrast, and real-time monitoring of treatment effects. The system can switch between different imaging modes and combine them to provide comprehensive diagnostic information, making the device adaptable to various clinical scenarios including tumor detection, vascular imaging, and treatment monitoring.
3Productivity
If ultrasound emission is applied for treatment, then drug delivery is enhanced, but tissue damage may occur without real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system provides real-time feedback through OCT imaging during ultrasound treatment. The OCT module continuously monitors tissue structural changes and vascular responses, allowing the operator to adjust ultrasound parameters dynamically. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal drug delivery while preventing excessive tissue damage by stopping treatment when predetermined safety thresholds are reached.
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 combination significantly improves the contrast of angiographic images up to 13.5 times, enables 3D imaging of tissues at a microscale, and facilitates drug delivery by increasing vascular permeability, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transmitter disposed beside the light path
Implementation Method 2
an optical transparent film disposed under the front lens... in-between the optical transparent film and the bottom is space for a light path to pass through
Implementation Method 3
a carrier containing medium, in which the carrier has a bottom made of transparent material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides imaging devices, systems, and methods of operation for acoustic-enhanced optical coherence tomography. The systems coordinate imaging devices, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and pulsed ultrasound (FUS) and or pulsed ultrasound (PUS) to enhance the contrast of images. Moreover, the systems improve in vivo diagnosis and drug release through the utilization of sonographic enhancers such as microbubbles (MBs).