Multi-Modal Endoscopic Imaging Paddle for Dysplasia Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (a/LCI) devices are limited by their small sampling scope and require manual repositioning, making it challenging to monitor broad areas of epithelial tissues for pre-cancerous dysplasia without using the endoscope's instrument channel.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal imaging system combining a/LCI with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a flexible paddle housing that allows for wide area tissue imaging without occupying the endoscope's instrument channel, enabling visualization, targeting, and biopsy acquisition in a single process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fiber-optic probe is used for a/LCI imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but area of stationary object is limited and device complexity increases due to manual repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple imaging points arranged in a grid pattern across the paddle surface. Each point can independently perform a/LCI measurements, allowing the system to cover a broad tissue area by sequentially activating different segments rather than manually repositioning a single probe.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical imaging points are replicated across the paddle housing, creating copies of the a/LCI measurement capability at different spatial locations. This allows simultaneous or sequential imaging of multiple tissue regions without requiring physical probe movement.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging probes are integrated into a paddle housing, then area of stationary object is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses multiple imaging probes, enables visual guidance through video visibility, and facilitates both a/LCI and OCT imaging capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The a/LCI probe and OCT probe are combined within a single paddle housing structure, allowing both imaging modalities to be integrated into one device. This merging eliminates the need for separate instruments and reduces procedural complexity by enabling combined imaging functions.
3Ease of operation
If the instrument channel of the endoscope is used for imaging, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens due to channel occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system transitions from a through-the-scope approach (using the instrument channel) to an external attachment approach (paddle housing on the endoscope exterior). This dimensional change allows imaging functionality to be added without occupying the instrument channel, maintaining versatility for other interventions.
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 high-resolution identification of dysplasia across broad epithelial tissue areas with reduced procedural complexity and cost, potentially eliminating the need for multiple endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The a/LCI probe uses light scattering methods to determine the size of cell nuclei in a probed area of tissue
Implementation Method 2
optical coherence tomography (OCT) which provides depth-resolved tissue information
Implementation Method 3
The single imaging window transmits at least 95% of light at each wavelength in the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for multi-modal imaging using an endoscope having an instrument channel, where the imaging is achieved without using the channel, are disclosed. The systems can include a multi-modal imaging paddle housing couple to a distal end of the endoscope. The housing can receive at least two imaging probes. The imaging probes can be an angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry probe (a/LCI) and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe. The housing can be scaled and positioned to be visible via the endoscope camera. The system and method can include locating the housing in a region of interest using the endoscope camera, acquiring OCT measurements to identify targets, and then acquiring a/LCI measurements at the identified targets.