Colonoscopy Navigation Map Interface for Complete Coverage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopy interfaces fail to provide adequate visualization tools for ensuring complete coverage of the colon during procedures, leading to missed polyps due to small size or flat shape, or incomplete examination areas.
Innovation Solution
A colonoscopy user-interface that includes a navigational map, position marker, cross-sectional coverage map, and guidance arrows, along with real-time polyp detection and optical biopsy feedback, to guide the endoscopist to ensure thorough examination of the colon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional endoscopy interfaces are used, then the system remains simple and easy to operate, but polyp detection reliability deteriorates due to missed polyps
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional modules: a navigational map showing longitudinal sections of the colon, a cross-sectional coverage map displaying angular portions, a position marker indicating current scope location, and polyp detection overlays. Each module independently contributes to overall detection reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single two-dimensional video feed to a multi-dimensional visualization system that includes longitudinal mapping (navigational map), angular/cross-sectional mapping (coverage map), and spatial positioning (position marker). This dimensional expansion provides comprehensive coverage visualization without overwhelming the operator.
2Reliability
If comprehensive coverage visualization is implemented, then polyp detection completeness improves, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping of the colon's longitudinal sections and cross-sectional angles during the insertion phase, establishing a complete spatial framework before the withdrawal phase begins. This pre-established framework enables real-time coverage tracking without requiring complex on-the-fly calculations during the critical withdrawal inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface provides continuous feedback through the position marker on the navigational map and the coverage indicators on the cross-sectional map, showing the endoscopist exactly which areas have been inspected and which remain. This real-time feedback loop enables self-correcting behavior where the operator can immediately address uncovered areas.
3Reliability
If real-time coverage tracking is provided, then missed polyps are reduced, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simplified two-dimensional copies (maps) of the three-dimensional colon anatomy, representing longitudinal sections and cross-sectional angles. These map copies are computationally lightweight compared to full 3D reconstruction while providing sufficient information for coverage tracking and navigation.
4Reliability
If multiple visualization elements are displayed, then navigation and coverage monitoring improve, but ease of operation deteriorates due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the display are allocated to different functional purposes: the navigational map provides global longitudinal context, the cross-sectional coverage map shows local angular coverage at the current position, the position marker indicates immediate location, and polyp overlays highlight specific findings. Each region has optimized visual characteristics for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple two-dimensional maps (longitudinal navigational map and cross-sectional coverage map) to represent three-dimensional spatial information, avoiding the need for complex 3D visualization while providing comprehensive spatial awareness through dimensional decomposition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user-interface for visualizing a colonoscopy procedure includes a video region and a navigational map upon which coverage annotations are displayed. A live video feed received from a colonoscope is displayed in the video region. The navigational map depicts longitudinal sections of a colon. The coverage annotations are presented on the navigation map and indicate whether one or more of the longitudinal sections is deemed adequately inspected or inadequately inspected during the colonoscopy procedure.