Endoscope Tip Markings for In-View Anatomical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures lack accurate measurement tools for estimating the physical size of anatomical structures, leading to variability in treatment points and potential risks of inflammation or ineffective treatment, particularly in procedures like Rezūm™ for BPH, where optical calibration is inadequate for 3D scenes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of elongate tools with first markings on the distal end visible in the endoscope's field of view, combined with virtual markings and a video processor to display reference lines, and optionally physical and virtual markings, to provide precise anatomical distance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical calibration is used in monocular optical imaging systems, then the system can provide measurement information, but the physical size of objects cannot be accurately determined due to significant depth variations in 3D scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces measurement markings (such as a scale bar or grid pattern) as an intermediary reference object within the 3D scene. These markings have known physical dimensions that can be used to calibrate the imaging system in-situ, allowing accurate determination of object sizes despite depth variations. The markings serve as a mediator between the camera and the objects being measured, providing a common reference framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying solely on 2D image projection (which cannot accurately represent 3D object sizes) to incorporating dimensional reference information through measurement markings. By adding the dimension of known physical reference lengths into the 3D scene, the system can accurately compute real-world dimensions of objects at various depths.
2Measurement precision
If measurement markings are added to the imaging system, then accurate physical size measurement becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement markings with the existing endoscopic device components. The markings are integrated into the device shaft or tip structure, combining the measurement function with the already-present hardware rather than adding completely separate systems. This reduces the net increase in device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual representations (markings, patterns, or augmented reality overlays) that copy or represent known physical dimensions within the imaging field. These visual copies provide the reference information needed for measurement without requiring physical measurement tools to be present in the anatomical cavity, simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If physicians use eye-balling method to estimate prostate length, then the procedure can be performed without additional tools, but there is high variability and susceptibility to error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the imaging system to provide its own calibration and measurement capabilities through integrated measurement markings. The system serves itself by incorporating reference information directly into the imaging field, eliminating the need for separate measurement tools or complex external calibration procedures while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for determining anatomical distance and/or position measurements during an endoscopic procedure. Markings are placed either physically or superimposed on a distal end of an elongate tool, such that the markings are viewable in an imaging field of view of the endoscope. Anatomic distances may be determined by measurements performed with the tool. The size and/or position of anatomical structures or unknown objects may also be determined using the marked tool.