Endoscope Fluorescence Imaging via Local Agent Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems for fluorescence imaging require large amounts of expensive fluorescent dyes, which are administered systemically, leading to delayed accumulation and weak fluorescence signals, resulting in noisy and low-quality images.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a dispensing mechanism for a fluorescent agent that reacts with specific substances, combined with a tunable spectral device and controlled light sources for excitation and irradiation, allowing for precise application and optical detection of fluorescence, reducing the need for systemic administration and enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large amount of fluorescent agent is administered systemically, then the fluorescent agent can accumulate in the tumor site, but it takes time for accumulation and the fluorescence intensity remains very weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the administration process into two stages: first administering a small amount of fluorescent agent systemically for initial accumulation, then applying a second amount locally to the tumor site via endoscope. This segmentation allows the process to benefit from both systemic distribution and localized concentration, reducing total accumulation time while achieving sufficient fluorescence intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary systemic administration of the fluorescent agent before the local application step. This preliminary action allows the agent to begin accumulating in the tumor site in advance, so that when the endoscope delivers additional agent locally, the tumor already has some accumulated fluorescence, thereby reducing the total time needed to achieve diagnostic-quality images.
2Quantity of substance
If a large amount of fluorescent agent is administered systemically, then the fluorescent agent can accumulate in the tumor site, but the fluorescence image quality deteriorates due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different concentrations and administration methods to different locations: a small systemic dose for initial distribution, then a concentrated local application directly to the tumor site via endoscope. This local quality approach ensures high fluorescence intensity at the tumor site for clear imaging, while minimizing unnecessary systemic exposure and reducing background noise that would degrade image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope acts as an intermediary device that delivers the fluorescent agent directly to the tumor site and simultaneously captures the fluorescence images. This intermediary approach allows precise control of agent delivery timing and location, enabling clear imaging by ensuring the agent is present at the tumor site when imaging occurs, while minimizing background fluorescence that causes noise.
3Quantity of substance
If a large amount of fluorescent agent is administered, then the tumor site can be visualized, but it consumes a large amount of expensive fluorescent material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescent agent administration into a minimal systemic dose followed by a targeted local application. This segmentation allows the expensive fluorescent material to be used efficiently: a small amount systemically for distribution, then precisely delivered to the tumor site where it is needed, minimizing overall consumption while achieving adequate visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the fluorescent agent to perform dual functions: first as a systemic tracer that distributes to the tumor site, then as a localized contrast agent when applied via endoscope. This self-service approach maximizes the utility of each unit of expensive fluorescent material, eliminating the need to administer large amounts solely for tumor visualization.
4Ease of operation
If oral administration or intravenous injection is used, then the fluorescent agent can be administered to the whole body, but it is not possible to observe the tumor site at the desired instant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary systemic administration to establish initial distribution and begin accumulation in the tumor site, then uses the endoscope to deliver additional agent locally at the precise moment imaging is desired. This preliminary action combined with on-demand local delivery allows observation at the desired instant while maintaining ease of operation through a two-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic administration strategy where the fluorescent agent delivery is adapted to the specific timing needs of each observation. The system transitions from passive systemic administration to active local delivery controlled by the endoscopist, allowing real-time adjustment of agent presence at the tumor site to match the desired observation timing.
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
Enables efficient, clear, and rapid identification of disease sites with minimal fluorescent agent usage, providing high-quality fluorescence images while minimizing noise and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent agent that reacts with a specific substance inside the acquisition object or that accumulates inside the acquisition object
Implementation Method 2
emitting excitation light for exciting the fluorescent agent
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system and an observation method using the same includes an agent dispensing portion for dispensing towards an acquisition object a fluorescent agent; a light source portion for emitting excitation light for exciting the fluorescent agent and irradiation light having different spectral characteristics from the excitation light; an optical system for transmitting the excitation light and the irradiation light towards the acquisition object; image-acquisition means, disposed at a portion that is inserted inside a body cavity and capable of acquiring fluorescence excited from the acquisition object by the excitation light, and light in a different wavelength band, which is excited from the acquisition object by the irradiation light; and control means for controlling the agent-dispensing means so that the acquisition object is irradiated with the irradiation light before the fluorescent agent is spouted out towards the acquisition object and for synchronizing at least the operation for spouting the fluorescent agent from the agent dispensing portion with the irradiation of the excitation light.