Endoscopic Fluorescence Detection Using Multi-Wavelength Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for endoscopic fluorescence detection are insufficient for reliably distinguishing between vital tumor tissue, normal tissue, and blood vessels during biopsy procedures, leading to potential complications such as bleeding and inaccurate tissue sampling.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for endoscopic fluorescence detection that generates and uses fluorescence excitation radiation in multiple wavelength ranges to stimulate emission in at least three different fluorescence modes, allowing for the differentiation of various tissue types through a detector device capable of distinguishing these modes, thereby enhancing the identification of suitable tissue for biopsy and blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopic fluorescence detection using single or dual wavelength ranges is used, then the detection system remains relatively simple, but the ability to distinguish between vital tumor tissue, normal tissue, and blood vessels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments the fluorescence spectrum into multiple wavelength ranges (first, second, and third ranges) and detects each range separately using distinct detector assemblies. This segmentation enables differentiation of multiple tissue types by analyzing their unique fluorescence signatures across different spectral bands, directly resolving the limitation of insufficient tissue differentiation in conventional single-wavelength systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope integrates multiple functionality into a single device: it performs both visual observation and multi-wavelength fluorescence detection simultaneously. The detector device comprises multiple detector assemblies that can detect fluorescence across different wavelength ranges, allowing the system to identify various tissue types (vital tumor tissue, normal tissue, blood vessels) with one unified instrument, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluorescence wavelength ranges are detected to improve tissue differentiation, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector device is segmented into multiple detector assemblies, where each assembly is responsible for detecting fluorescence in a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows the complex task of multi-wavelength detection to be divided into manageable components, each optimized for its specific spectral range, thereby improving tissue type differentiation while keeping individual detector components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the spectral dimension to tissue detection by incorporating detectors that operate across multiple wavelength ranges. Instead of relying solely on spatial or temporal differentiation, the invention utilizes the spectral dimension (different fluorescence wavelengths) to distinguish between tissue types, enabling more precise measurement without requiring proportionally complex spatial or temporal processing mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence excitation radiation in multiple wavelength ranges is used, then the ability to identify suitable tissue for biopsy improves, but the complexity of the light-generating device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-generating device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of producing fluorescence excitation radiation across multiple wavelength ranges (first, second, and third ranges) using a unified light source system. This allows the device to excite different fluorophores in various tissue types simultaneously or sequentially, improving biopsy site identification accuracy while maintaining a consolidated light source architecture rather than requiring separate light sources for each wavelength range.
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
This approach enables more reliable differentiation of tissue types and blood vessels, reducing the risk of complications during biopsy by providing clear visualization of vital and necrotic tumor tissue and blood vessels, ensuring accurate sampling.
Implementation Method 1
The light-generating device is designed to produce fluorescence excitation radiation suitable for stimulating the tissue under investigation to emit fluorescence radiation in at least three different fluorescence wavelength ranges
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber is designed to transmit the fluorescence excitation radiation generated by the light-generating device from a proximal end to a distal end and to transmit fluorescence radiation emitted by tissue to its proximal end
Implementation Method 3
a beam splitter optic arranged at the proximal end of the optical fiber for coupling the fluorescence radiation into the proximal end of the optical fiber and for guiding the fluorescence radiation from the proximal end of the optical fiber to the detector assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopically deployable light conductor (1) transmits fluorescence excitation radiation from light generating unit to to-be-examined tissue, and receives fluorescence radiation from tissue. An optical beam splitter (10) couples the fluorescence excitation radiation at proximal end (5) of light conductor and forwards the radiation to detector (30). The light generating unit performs excitation emission of fluorescence radiation from tissue in three different fluorescence wavelengths. The detector distinguishes the radiation of three different wavelength ranges. An independent claim is included for a method for endoscopic fluorescence detection of tissue sample.