Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging with Multi-Wavelength LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic fluorescence imaging systems lack sensitivity for targeted tumor-specific NIR fluorescence and are not practical for applications beyond intravascular imaging, as they require high doses of intravenously administered indocyanine green (ICG) and have inadequate sensitivity for simultaneous visible and NIR capture imaging.
Innovation Solution
A single-use, disposable cannula with a light source for illuminating the bladder using white light and non-white excitation light, combined with a multi-pixel, backside-illuminated light sensor array and readout circuit for spatially and temporally registering white light and fluorescence images, allowing for enhanced visualization of tissue through differential imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high doses of intravenously administered indocyanine green (ICG) are used for intravascular imaging, then adequate sensitivity is achieved, but the system lacks practical use in other applications such as targeted tumor-specific NIR fluorescence due to low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by introducing multiple light sources with different wavelengths (blue LED at 470nm, green LED at 530nm, and white LED) to excite different fluorophores. This allows the system to detect both intravascular ICG and tumor-specific fluorophores with different emission wavelengths, thereby achieving high sensitivity for multiple imaging applications simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is designed with multi-functional capabilities by incorporating multiple light sources and corresponding filters to detect both intravascular ICG fluorescence and extravascular tumor-specific fluorescence. The system can switch between different imaging modes (intravascular vs. tumor imaging) by selecting appropriate light sources and filters, making it universally applicable to various surgical imaging needs.
2Productivity
If simultaneous visible and NIR capture imaging is performed using beam-splitter, then both images can be captured, but the system complexity increases and sensitivity for targeted fluorescence remains inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function by using separate light sources and detectors for different wavelength ranges. Instead of using a single beam-splitter system, the invention uses distinct blue, green, and white LED sources paired with specific filters and detectors, allowing simultaneous capture of visible and NIR fluorescence images without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical filters as intermediaries between the light sources and detectors. These filters selectively transmit specific wavelength ranges to the detectors, enabling simultaneous capture of different fluorescence signals without requiring complex beam-splitting optics. The filters act as mediators that simplify the optical path while maintaining spectral separation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and filters are used for multi-band imaging, then sensitivity for targeted fluorescence is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single endoscope by integrating multiple light sources (blue LED, green LED, white LED) and their corresponding filters into one compact device. This combined system allows simultaneous detection of intravascular ICG and tumor-specific fluorophores without requiring separate imaging systems, thereby improving sensitivity while controlling device complexity through consolidation.
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
The solution enables improved visualization of cancerous tissue and other tissues by preferentially inducing fluorescence, enhancing sensitivity and practicality for surgical procedures by reducing the need for high doses of ICG and improving image registration and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to illuminate said bladder with white light during first time intervals and with non-white excitation light causing fluorescence from selected tissue during second time intervals
Implementation Method 2
an imaging structure configured to receive both said fluorescence and reflections of said white light from the bladder; wherein said imaging structure comprises a single, multi-pixel, backside-illuminated, two-dimensional light sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are configured for combined fluorescence imaging and white light imaging of tissue such as during surgical endoscopic procedures. A chip-on-tip type endoscope can be equipped with both white light and blue light LEDs. A single camera or dual cameras are configured with backside illuminated CMOS image sensor(s) to receive and process the white light and fluorescence images. The light sources, image sensors and image processing circuitry are configured to synchronously emit light and record pixels for visible white light and fluorescence frames alternately. Global or quasi-global shuttering can be used on the image sensor(s). A modified color filter array and other filters can be provided to enhance fluorescence imaging capabilities. Insufflating gas clears debris from the camera field of view and aids in moving the cannula distally through a body passageway.