Intraoperative Brain Mapping Using Cumulative Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
During brain surgery, existing methods for creating maps of brain operating fields using intraoperative optical imaging are time-consuming and challenging due to the need for long measurement periods to detect changes in perfusion or oxygen content, which can delay surgical procedures and complicate the identification of brain tissue areas associated with stimulated functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that record stimulation and reference images during brain surgery, allowing for the creation of improved maps after each measurement cycle by combining multiple cycles' data, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and enabling early assessment of map quality, with the option to terminate or adjust the process based on quality parameters, and displaying disturbances and quality indicators to assist the surgeon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intraoperative optical imaging is used to detect changes in perfusion or oxygen content, then brain tissue areas associated with stimulated functions can be identified, but the measurement period becomes very long (e.g., 9 minutes with alternating 30-second stimulation and rest phases)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple measurement cycles and combining their data before final map creation. Multiple stimulation-rest phase cycles are conducted in advance, with their optical imaging data accumulated and processed together to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, enabling accurate detection of perfusion changes without requiring an excessively long continuous measurement period
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by continuously accumulating data from multiple measurement cycles. The optical imaging measurements are performed continuously across several stimulation-rest phase cycles, with data from each cycle contributing to the cumulative signal, thereby maintaining continuous useful measurement action that improves detection precision while managing total measurement time
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement cycles are performed and data combined, then map quality and signal-to-noise ratio improve, but the total measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing real-time display of intermediate maps after each measurement cycle. The system processes and displays the map quality and signal-to-noise ratio after each cycle, giving feedback to the surgeon about the current measurement quality. This allows the surgeon to assess whether additional measurement cycles are necessary, enabling dynamic adjustment of total measurement time based on actual map quality requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the measurement process adaptive rather than fixed. The total number of measurement cycles is not predetermined but adjusted dynamically based on the quality of maps produced. The system can terminate the measurement process early if sufficient map quality is achieved, or continue if more cycles are needed, making the measurement duration flexible and adaptive to actual needs
3Manufacturing precision
If brain mapping is performed to identify functional areas, then surgical precision is improved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the surgical microscope's existing camera system for dual purposes: both for documenting the surgical procedure and for recording optical imaging data for brain mapping. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated mapping equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to perform precise functional area identification through intraoperative optical imaging
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 allows for more efficient and accurate mapping of brain tissue areas associated with stimulated functions, enabling quicker decision-making during surgery by improving map quality and reducing the need for prolonged measurement periods, thus aiding surgeons in completing procedures more effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the perfusion and/or the oxygen content of the blood can be measured by way of a change in the spectral properties of the reflection image of the brain tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device are for generating and displaying a map of a brain operating field, brain tissue areas associated with a stimulated brain function being marked in the map. In the method, during a measurement cycle a stimulation of a brain function is effected and a stimulation image of the brain operating field with the stimulated brain function is recorded, a reference image without the stimulated brain function is recorded, the stimulation image and the reference image are used to generate the map, and the map is displayed on a display. A plurality of cycles are performed. A new map is generated after each cycle following the first cycle. In order to generate the new map, the stimulation and reference images of one or more preceding cycles are used besides the images recorded in the cycle just carried out. At least the new map is displayed after each cycle.