Endoscope Imaging for Mist-Aware Thermal Denaturation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical endoscope systems struggle to accurately visualize thermal denaturation regions during tissue cauterization due to the occurrence of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that emit fluorescence, making it difficult for operators to confirm the extent of thermal treatment.
Innovation Solution
A medical device and system that generates white light images and fluorescence images using separate light sources, processes these images to detect mist and thermal denaturation, and provides real-time feedback to operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is used to visualize thermal denaturation regions, then the visibility of treated areas is improved, but mist generated during cauterization obscures the image and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple sequential frames captured at different timings. By dividing the continuous imaging into discrete time points, the system can detect changes between frames to identify mist regions and differentiate them from thermal denaturation regions, thereby maintaining visualization accuracy despite mist presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing consecutive imaging frames to detect mist generation. When mist is detected through frame comparison, the system adjusts its analysis to distinguish mist regions from thermal denaturation regions, providing continuous feedback to maintain accurate visualization of the treatment area.
2Loss of information
If multiple imaging modes (white light and fluorescence) are used simultaneously, then comprehensive information is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges white light imaging and fluorescence imaging into a single integrated system. By combining both imaging modes and processing them together through frame comparison and region differentiation, the system achieves comprehensive information gathering without requiring separate independent systems, thus managing device complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both white light imaging and fluorescence imaging using the same hardware components. This universal approach allows a single device to execute multiple imaging functions, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring complete information capture about the treatment area.
3Productivity
If rapid imaging is performed to capture real-time treatment changes, then productivity is improved, but image quality and measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by capturing images at specific time intervals during the cauterization process. Rather than continuous imaging, it uses periodically triggered frames that are timed to capture critical treatment moments, maintaining real-time monitoring capability while ensuring sufficient image quality for accurate thermal denaturation detection.
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 precise visualization of thermal denaturation regions by distinguishing mist and thermal treatment areas, enhancing surgical accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), so-called 'scorches' occur due to thermal denaturation. This AGEs emits fluorescence by light of a specific wavelength.
Implementation Method 2
an endoscope includes an imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: generate a first white light image based on an imaging signal captured at a first timing during which white light is emitted; generate a second white light image based on an imaging signal captured at a second timing during which the white light is emitted; generate a fluorescence image based on an imaging signal captured at a third timing during which excitation light is emitted; generate mist information based on the first white light image and the second white light image; and generate thermal denaturation information based on the mist information and the fluorescence image.