Dual OCT Probe System for Tissue Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical imaging technologies, such as external surgical microscopes, provide limited depth information and do not effectively visualize the depth of tissue or surgical tools, making it difficult for surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with precision, especially in neurosurgery where trauma to brain tissue can occur.
Innovation Solution
An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system with dual paraxial OCT probes, one with higher resolution and a smaller depth of field, and another with lower resolution but greater depth of field, are mechanically attached to an optical scope, allowing for combined imaging of the same scanning area, providing depth information and minimizing tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single OCT probe is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the depth information and resolution cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into two separate OCT probes: a first probe with high resolution for detailed tissue structure visualization, and a second probe with greater depth of field for capturing deeper tissue layers. This segmentation allows each probe to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive depth information that would be impossible with a single probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple OCT probes with different optical characteristics into a single integrated system that can simultaneously capture both high-resolution surface details and deeper tissue structures. By merging the capabilities of multiple probes and combining their images, the system achieves comprehensive depth information without requiring the user to switch between separate devices.
2Area of stationary object
If external surgical microscope is used, then the imaging area is visible, but depth information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The OCT probes serve as an intermediary technology that bridges the gap between traditional optical microscopy and deep tissue imaging. While the optical scope provides wide-area visualization similar to traditional microscopes, the OCT probes act as intermediaries to capture depth information by using light scattering properties of tissue, thereby compensating for the depth information loss inherent in conventional optical imaging.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive procedure is performed, then tissue trauma is reduced, but precision in tumor resection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-probe OCT system provides real-time feedback to the surgeon by displaying both high-resolution surface images and deeper tissue structure images simultaneously. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to precisely identify tumor boundaries and differentiate between healthy and pathological tissue during minimally invasive procedures, thereby maintaining high precision while minimizing tissue trauma through smaller incisions.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with dual optical coherence tomography probes is provided comprising: an optical scope comprising a distal end; a first OCT probe; and, a second OCT probe, each of the first OCT probe and the second OCT probe mechanically attached to the optical scope, the first OCT probe and the second OCT probe being substantially paraxial and configured to focus on a same scanning area, the optical scope configured to optically image the same scanning area using the distal end, the first OCT probe having a higher resolution than the second OCT probe.