Endoscopic Laser Calibration for Accurate Target Size and Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
During surgical laser procedures, determining the dimensions and distance of targets such as tumors or stones within a patient's body is challenging due to the lack of accurate calibration methods for endoscopic imaging, which affects the delivery of laser light and monitoring of treatment progress.
Innovation Solution
A calibration process using a laser fiber tip to establish a relationship between pixel measurements on an endoscopic image and the distance of the target, allowing for the creation of a calibration curve that enables precise measurement of target dimensions and distance from the endoscope tip, regardless of the medium type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a calibration process is performed to determine target dimensions and distance, then measurement precision is improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration measurements at multiple predetermined distances during setup, establishing a calibration curve that maps pixel dimensions to actual target dimensions and distance. This preliminary calibration action enables accurate measurements throughout the procedure without requiring continuous recalibration, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the calibration curve to provide real-time feedback on target dimensions and distance during the laser procedure. By continuously referencing the predetermined calibration data, the system maintains measurement accuracy without requiring additional calibration time during the actual treatment, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calibration measurements are taken at different distances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into discrete predetermined distances (e.g., 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, etc. from the scope tip). At each segment point, a calibration target is positioned and measured to establish specific calibration parameters. This segmentation simplifies the overall complex calibration process into manageable steps while maintaining high precision through multiple distance points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the distance parameter of the calibration target relative to the scope tip to create multiple calibration data points. By changing this single parameter across predetermined values, the system generates a calibration curve that accurately represents the relationship between pixel dimensions and actual dimensions at various distances, improving precision without significantly increasing process complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the scope is positioned closer to the target for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration measurements at multiple predetermined distances during setup, establishing a calibration curve that can be referenced throughout the procedure. This allows the scope to be positioned at various distances from the target during actual treatment without sacrificing measurement accuracy, as the calibration curve provides the necessary scaling information for any distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to be dynamic, accommodating various scope-target distances through the predetermined calibration curve. Rather than requiring a fixed close proximity position, the system adapts to different positioning scenarios by referencing the calibrated relationship between pixel dimensions and actual dimensions at multiple distances, thus maintaining both precision and adaptability.
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 method significantly reduces the time required for medical procedures by providing accurate target size and distance measurements, enabling efficient treatment planning and execution, such as fragmenting large stones into smaller pieces before dusting, thereby shortening procedure time by 60-70%.
Implementation Method 1
a relationship between (i) a number of pixels associated with a light beam reflected from a target or an object located in proximity to the target on an endoscopic image
Implementation Method 2
a laser fiber inserted or attached to the scope... measuring a dimension of the laser beam or the laser fiber tip
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for determining target characteristics during a laser procedure, comprising (i) obtaining a relationship between (i) a number of pixels associated with a light beam reflected from a target or an object located in proximity to the target on an endoscopic image obtained from a video sensor coupled to an endoscope and (ii) a distance of the target from a tip of the endoscope. The method further comprising (ii) measuring the number of pixels associated with the light beam reflected from the target or the object located in proximity to the target during a procedure, and (iii) based at least in part on the relationship obtained in step (i) and the measured number of pixels in step (ii), determining at least one of a size of the target or a distance of the target from the tip of the endoscope.