Endoscope Shape Tracking for Lesion Repositioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In colonoscopy, accurately reaccessing a previously identified lesion or lesion candidate is challenging due to the deformable nature of the large intestine and variations in insertion length, making it difficult for different doctors or facilities to reproduce the exact position, leading to potential missed lesions during follow-up treatments.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopy support system that includes an endoscope with magnetic coils for detecting its three-dimensional shape and posture, combined with a processor that acquires and displays the endoscope's shape at different insertion stages, allowing simultaneous display of the endoscope's shape during insertion and removal on a monitor, facilitating accurate reproduction of lesion positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only the endoscopic image is displayed without the endoscope shape information, then the display is simple, but the accuracy of reproducing lesion positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the endoscope shape information (first curved shape and second curved shape) with the endoscopic image display by superimposing the curved shapes on the monitor. This merging allows the display to show both the visual field and the spatial configuration of the endoscope, enabling accurate lesion position reproduction without requiring separate displays or complex additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the traditional 2D endoscopic image display by incorporating the 3D curved shape information of the endoscope insertion portion. The first curved shape (when distal end is at predetermined site) and second curved shape (when image is captured) are displayed as spatial trajectories, allowing operators to understand the three-dimensional path and accurately reproduce lesion positions in space.
2Reliability
If the endoscope insertion portion shape is not tracked, then the system is simpler, but the reliability of lesion reaccess deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent records the first curved shape of the endoscope insertion portion when the distal end reaches a predetermined site (such as the cecum) before proceeding to capture images. This preliminary recording of the endoscope shape establishes a reference trajectory that can be used later to reliably reproduce lesion positions during follow-up examinations, ensuring consistent reaccess.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying both the first curved shape and second curved shape on the monitor alongside the endoscopic image. This feedback mechanism allows operators to compare the current endoscope position with the recorded reference shape, enabling accurate adjustment and reliable reaccess to previously identified lesions.
3Measurement precision
If only single curved shape is displayed, then the display is simpler, but the ability to reproduce lesion positions accurately deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first curved shape information and second curved shape information into a single integrated display on the monitor. By showing both curved shapes simultaneously with the endoscopic image, the system preserves complete endoscope shape information without requiring multiple separate displays, maintaining information integrity while simplifying the overall display architecture.
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
Enhances the reproducibility of lesion positions by providing a reliable method for doctors to accurately reaccess lesions, reducing the risk of overlooking lesions during follow-up examinations and treatments by displaying the endoscope's shape at different stages, thereby improving the accuracy of lesion repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
an endoscope with magnetic coils for detecting its three-dimensional shape and posture
Data Source
AI summary
In endoscopy, each of a display controller and a recording controller acquires a first curved shape of an endoscope insertion portion when an endoscope distal end portion is located at a predetermined site, an endoscopic image captured in the endoscopy, and a second shape of an endoscope insertion portion when the endoscopic image is captured. The recording controller may record the first curved shape of the endoscope insertion portion, the endoscopic image, and the second curved shape of the endoscope insertion portion in a storage device. The display controller may simultaneously display the first curved shape of the endoscope insertion portion and the second curved shape of the endoscope insertion portion on a display device.