Endoscopic Stone Identification for Controlled Fragment Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithotripsy devices lack the ability to accurately control stone fragment size during urinary stone fragmentation, leading to inefficient treatment times due to unpredictable fragment sizes and the need for repeated removal and fragmentation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses an imaging element mounted on a scope to transmit image data, generate a visual representation, establish a scale, determine stone size, and augment the representation with indicators for removal status, allowing precise control over stone fragment size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser energy is used to fragment stones, then stone fragmentation is achieved, but stone fragment size cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of stone size using imaging elements (camera, ultrasound, or other sensors) before applying laser energy. This allows the operator to know the initial stone dimensions and adjust laser parameters accordingly to achieve desired fragment sizes, preventing both excessive fragmentation and insufficient breakdown
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors stone fragment size during and after laser treatment using imaging elements. This feedback is displayed to the operator in real-time, allowing adjustment of laser energy parameters to achieve target fragment sizes. The system can detect when fragments have reached the desired size range and signal when treatment should be stopped
2Measurement precision
If surgeon estimates stone size from low resolution image, then stone size assessment is obtained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer between the imaging element and the surgeon. Image processing algorithms enhance low-resolution images by filtering noise, adjusting contrast, and applying edge detection techniques. This intermediary processing recovers measurement information that would otherwise be lost in low-resolution images, enabling accurate stone size assessment without requiring high-resolution imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the imaging system dynamically. When stone size measurement is required, the system adjusts imaging parameters such as exposure time, gain, and focal length to maximize the information content in low-resolution images. The system may also switch between different imaging modes (optical, ultrasound, other sensing modalities) depending on the measurement requirements
3Productivity
If retrieval device is introduced based on estimated stone size, then stone removal is attempted, but treatment time increases due to repeated procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and assessment of stone size and fragment characteristics before attempting stone removal. Based on these measurements, the system pre-selects the appropriate retrieval device size and type, and determines the optimal fragmentation strategy. This preliminary planning prevents the need for repeated device introductions and adjustments during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback on fragment size and characteristics during the procedure. When fragments reach the removable size threshold, the system signals readiness for removal. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for conservative over-fragmentation and repeated assessments, allowing the operator to proceed directly to removal with the appropriate device
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of stone identification methods and systems are described. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: transmitting to a processing unit, with an imaging element mounted on a distal end of a scope, image data about a stone object inside a body cavity; generating from the image data, with the processing unit, a visual representation of the stone object and the body cavity; establishing from a user input, with the processing unit, a scale for the visual representation; determining from the visual representation, with the processing unit, a size of the stone object on the scale; comparing, with the processing unit, the size of the stone object with a predetermined maximum size to determine a removal status; and augmenting, with the processing unit, the visual representation to include an indicator responsive to the removal status. Associated systems are also described.