Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging for Heat-Invasion Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional special light observation functions in medical endoscopes primarily focus on surface lesions, making it difficult to determine depth information of lesion portions visually.
Innovation Solution
A heat invasion observation apparatus and method that utilizes fluorescence imaging to observe heat invasion areas in biological tissues by generating and capturing fluorescence from substances like advanced glycation end products (AGEs) produced during thermal processing, combined with white light imaging to provide depth information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional special light observation functions (NBI, IRI, AFI) are used to observe surface lesions, then surface lesion visualization is improved, but depth information determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines conventional white light observation with fluorescence observation to create a hybrid imaging system. The fluorescence image generation circuit processes fluorescence signals from the subject while the white light image generation circuit captures structural information, merging both imaging modalities to simultaneously provide surface lesion visualization and depth information through the combined image display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescence as an intermediary signal carrier that encodes depth information. By using fluorescence emitted from the subject at different wavelengths, the system creates a visible signal that correlates with tissue depth and heat invasion extent, serving as a mediator between the physical tissue structure and the visual display.
2Ease of operation
If only visual check is performed on surface lesions, then surface lesion identification is simplified, but depth estimation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes in fluorescence emission to indicate depth information. Different wavelengths of fluorescence (e.g., 400-590 nm range) correspond to different tissue depths and heat invasion levels, allowing the system to translate physical depth into color variations that are easily interpretable by observers while maintaining automated processing capabilities.
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 clear visualization of heat invasion areas and depth estimation by superimposing fluorescence intensity information onto white light images, facilitating precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup device configured to pick up an image of fluorescence generated from a heat invasion area in the biological tissue irradiated with the exciting light
Implementation Method 2
generating an image pickup signal by picking up an image of fluorescence generated from the heat invasion area
Data Source
AI summary
A heat invasion observation apparatus that observes a heat invasion to a biological tissue, the heat invasion observation apparatus includes a fluorescence image generation circuit configured to obtain an image pickup signal generated by picking up an image of fluorescence generated from a heat invasion area in the biological tissue irradiated with exciting light for exciting a substance contained in the heat invasion area, and generate fluorescence image data based on the obtained image pickup signal. The substance contained in the heat invasion area is a substance generated when the biological tissue is thermally processed.