Endoscope Procedure Guidance with AI Anatomy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for ENT treatments are challenging due to the location of anatomical structures and the need for complex, costly, and often inaccurate imaging techniques, which can expose patients and staff to health hazards.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with automated anatomy detection and procedure guidance interfaces, utilizing expert systems, artificial intelligence, and manual inputs to provide enhanced visualizations, instructions, and information for surgeons, allowing for precise navigation and treatment without the need for extensive pre-operative imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex imaging techniques such as CT or MRI are used to diagnose ENT conditions, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but patients and staff are exposed to health hazards and the procedures are costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex imaging systems (CT/MRI) and implements it directly in the endoscope using AI algorithms. The endoscope captures images locally and performs automated anatomy detection and disease diagnosis without requiring external imaging equipment, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the patient's anatomy by capturing real-time images through the endoscope and generating 3D reconstructions or augmented reality overlays. This virtual copy allows doctors to visualize and diagnose conditions without exposing patients to hazardous radiation from physical CT or MRI scanners
2Measurement precision
If CT or MRI scans are used to assess nasal airway obstruction, then anatomical information is obtained, but the procedures are time-consuming and require patient immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system performs preliminary diagnostic actions during the same procedure intended for treatment. By integrating automated anatomy detection and airflow assessment capabilities directly into the endoscope, the system eliminates the need for separate pre-operative CT or MRI scans, thereby reducing total procedure time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges diagnostic imaging, real-time anatomy detection, and therapeutic procedures into a single integrated endoscopic system. The endoscope simultaneously captures images, performs AI-based anatomical analysis, assesses nasal airway function, and enables treatment, replacing the traditional sequence of separate diagnostic imaging scans followed by treatment
3Measurement precision
If multiple diagnostic steps are performed to accurately diagnose a condition, then diagnostic accuracy may improve, but the number of steps increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously capturing images through the endoscope, processing them through AI algorithms for automated anatomy detection, and immediately displaying diagnostic results to the operator. This closed-loop feedback system allows for accurate diagnosis during the procedure itself, eliminating the need for multiple separate diagnostic steps and improving overall procedure efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting anatomical structures, identifying pathologies, and generating diagnostic reports using integrated AI algorithms. This self-service capability reduces reliance on multiple external diagnostic steps and specialist interpretations, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope based system is configured to provide one or more procedure guidance features. The endoscope is paired with an image processing device that performs object detection and other analysis on captured images, and displays an interface to users that includes various visual guidance combined with endoscopic images. Interfaces displayed in different modes may indicate the location and extent of energy delivery tracked by the system, may guide placement of implant devices, may identify the location of nerves within tissue, and may provide step-by-step guidance for navigating the endoscope to certain anatomy. In some implementations, a removable and replaceable sheath may be coupled to the endoscope, and may enable one or more functional features of the endoscope while maintaining a sterile barrier. Sheaths may include an embedded memory that stores procedure configurations and procedure results.