Endoscopic Stone Sizing Interface With Real-Time Image Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sizing objects during lithotripsy procedures are inaccurate and cumbersome, which complicates the treatment of stones in the common bile, urinary, renal, or ureteral systems.
Innovation Solution
A medical system that includes a processor to analyze images from a first imaging device, estimate the size of objects within the lumen, and display this information on a display device, with real-time updates during the procedure, and provides a scaled grid for accurate sizing and balloon inflation recommendations based on x-ray data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sizing methods are used in the endoscopic operating field, then the treatment can proceed with simple equipment, but the sizing accuracy is poor and the procedure is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image processing to create a digital representation (copy) of the stone in the endoscopic field. The system captures images, segments the stone from the background, and generates a 2D projection that accurately represents the stone's appearance and size without requiring physical measurement tools in the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated image processing and computational system. The processor automatically segments the stone, calculates its area, and determines sizing metrics from 2D images, eliminating the need for manual calibration or physical measurement devices in the endoscopic field.
2Measurement precision
If automated image analysis is implemented for stone sizing, then sizing accuracy improves, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate 2D digital copies of the stone from endoscopic images, enabling automated analysis. These image copies serve as the basis for all subsequent processing steps including segmentation, area calculation, and sizing determination without requiring direct physical interaction with the stone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies image segmentation techniques to separate the stone from the complex endoscopic background. The processor divides the image into distinct regions, identifying the stone boundaries and isolating it from surrounding tissue and instruments, which enables accurate automated measurement.
3Loss of time
If real-time image processing is performed during the procedure, then sizing information is immediately available for clinical decision-making, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image processing steps during image acquisition, including initial segmentation and feature extraction. By preparing the image data in advance and maintaining a ready-to-process pipeline, the system can quickly generate sizing information when needed without requiring intensive real-time computation for every measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses 2D image copies for all sizing calculations, avoiding the need for complex 3D reconstruction or real-time volumetric processing. This approach significantly reduces computational requirements while maintaining sufficient accuracy for clinical decision-making regarding stone size and treatment planning.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system for use in a lithotripsy procedure may include a processor configured to receive input from a first imaging device, wherein the first imaging device may be configured to send image data representative of an image captured in a lumen of a kidney, bladder, or ureter to the processor. The processor may be configured to display the image on a display device coupled to the processor, and analyze the image to sense the presence of an object within the image. If an object was sensed within the image, the processor may analyze the image to estimate a size of the object, and display the estimate on the display device.