Endoscopic System for Real-Time Tumor Cauterization Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for transurethral resection of bladder tumors lack real-time visualization of cauterized regions during thermal treatment, relying on operator skill and intuition, which can lead to incomplete excision of tumor sites.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system that includes a processor to generate images of characteristic regions requiring excision and cauterized regions, using narrow-band imaging and thermal treatment imaging modes to differentiate and visualize these areas, allowing for precise identification of regions that need further cauterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thermal treatment imaging is used, then the surgical operator can perform excision based on intuition and skill, but real-time visualization of cauterized regions is not achieved, leading to incomplete excision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change principle by using optical filters to make cauterized regions appear in distinct colors (yellow-green) different from surrounding tissues. The optical filter transmits fluorescence wavelengths while blocking reflected light, causing thermally treated areas to display characteristic colors that enable precise real-time visualization and complete excision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical filter as a mediator between the imaging system and the surgical operator. This filter converts invisible thermal treatment effects into visible color changes, allowing the operator to indirectly observe cauterized regions through color-coded feedback without directly viewing the thermal energy itself.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modes are used to differentiate characteristic and cauterized regions, then surgical accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single integrated system. The endoscope simultaneously captures both characteristic regions (tumor sites) and cauterized regions using the same imaging device, optical filters, and processing unit, eliminating the need for separate imaging systems while achieving comprehensive visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple tasks: identifying characteristic regions requiring excision, visualizing cauterized regions, and providing real-time feedback all through a single endoscopic system. The processor and optical filters serve universal purposes across different imaging modes.
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 real-time visualization and precise identification of tumor sites, reducing the risk of incomplete excision and improving surgical accuracy by providing clear images of both characteristic and cauterized regions.
Implementation Method 1
the optical filter being provided on a light-receiving surface side of the image sensor, the optical filter being configured to block light on a short wavelength side including a part of a wavelength band of the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to apply excitation light that excites advanced glycation end products produced by subjecting a living tissue to thermal treatment; the image sensor being configured to generate an imaging signal by capturing fluorescence emitted by the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
An assistant device includes a processor configured to: generate a first image including one or more characteristic regions requiring excision by a surgical operator; generate a second image including one or more cauterized regions cauterized by an energy device; generate information regarding presence or absence of a first region that is included in the characteristic regions and that is not included in the cauterized region based on the first image and the second image; and output information indicating the presence of the characteristic regions that requires to be cauterized when the first region is present.