Dual-Mode NIR Fluorescence Tomography for Tumor Depth Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence tomography systems for cancer detection suffer from poor imaging quality and low positioning accuracy, failing to provide a reliable analytical basis for diagnosis due to limitations in depth information and imaging precision.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode fluorescence tomography system utilizing a combination of second near-infrared window and first near-infrared window imaging, along with CT imaging, to reconstruct three-dimensional tomographic images by registering fluorescent images with white light and CT images, enhancing tumor detection accuracy and clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tumor detection methods (CT, MRI, ultrasound) are used, then the detection process is simple and fast, but the positioning accuracy and detection precision for early small tumors are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (fluorescence imaging in first near-infrared window, fluorescence imaging in second near-infrared window, and CT imaging) into a single integrated system. This merging of different imaging techniques allows the system to leverage the advantages of each modality - the high sensitivity of fluorescence imaging for early tumor detection and the structural information from CT - thereby improving overall detection precision while maintaining a unified operational platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical imaging to three-dimensional optical tomography by incorporating depth information through CT registration. This dimensional enhancement allows for precise spatial localization of tumors in three-dimensional space, significantly improving positioning accuracy for early small tumors that cannot be adequately detected by traditional 2D imaging methods
2Measurement precision
If two-dimensional optical imaging technology is used, then the imaging process is simple, but depth information is lost and positioning accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly addresses the depth information loss problem by implementing three-dimensional optical tomography reconstruction. The system collects fluorescence signals from multiple angles and uses CT-based registration to reconstruct three-dimensional tumor locations, thereby recovering the depth dimension that is lost in 2D imaging and achieving accurate spatial positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CT images as an intermediary to bridge the gap between 2D fluorescence imaging and 3D spatial localization. The CT structural images serve as a reference framework that guides the registration and reconstruction of fluorescence signals into three-dimensional space, enabling accurate depth information extraction without requiring complex multi-angle fluorescence tomography alone
3Reliability
If fluorescence tomography in near-infrared window is used, then non-invasive lesion detection is achieved, but imaging quality is poor and diagnostic basis is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fluorescence imaging in two different near-infrared windows (NIR-I: 700-900nm and NIR-II: 1000-1700nm) to improve diagnostic reliability. By using fluorophores with different excitation and emission characteristics in these two windows, the system obtains complementary information that enhances tumor detection accuracy and provides a more robust diagnostic basis compared to single-window imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances imaging quality by transitioning from two-dimensional fluorescence images to three-dimensional tomographic reconstructions. The 3D reconstruction process integrates fluorescence signals with CT structural information, providing detailed spatial distribution of tumors and improving image quality to a level suitable for reliable clinical diagnosis
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
The system achieves more accurate tumor reconstruction with depth characteristics, providing intuitive and clear three-dimensional tumor displays, improving detection precision and diagnostic reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation module configured to irradiate a tumor region of the mouse with a second near-infrared window excitation light and a first near-infrared window excitation light such that fluorescent dye in the tumor region emits fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
a lighting module configured to irradiate a mouse with a white light and collect white light images
Data Source
AI summary
A second near-infrared window/first near-infrared window dual-mode fluorescence tomography system having a lighting module, an excitation module, a second near-infrared window collection module, a first near-infrared window collection module, a CT imaging module and a central control module. The central control module is configured to reconstruct second near-infrared window three-dimensional and tomographic images and first near-infrared window three-dimensional and tomographic images based on the white light images, the second near-infrared window fluorescent images, the first near-infrared window fluorescent images, and the CT images. The reconstructed three-dimensional space tumor signal has depth characteristics, which is closer to the real distribution of tumors, such that the reconstruction position is more accurate. The three-dimensional shape of the tumor is displayed intuitively and clearly at any angle with the usage of image display unit.