Fiber-Optic Confocal Fluorescence Probe for Non-Contact Alveolar Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vivo fiber-optic imaging systems using fluorescence have low resolution and are limited to imaging tissues in contact with the distal tip of the probe, making it impossible to visualize pulmonary alveoli located outside the direct vision of bronchial endoscopes, requiring invasive procedures for characterization.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-optic confocal fluorescence imaging system that allows imaging of pulmonary alveoli at a distance from the endoscope, using a miniaturized probe inserted through the endoscope's working channel, which can extend beyond the distal tip for non-contact imaging, and includes a tracking mechanism to control the probe's position and a spectroscopic unit for spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fiber optic probe is placed in contact with tissue for imaging, then imaging resolution is improved, but the ability to image distant structures like alveoli is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic probe is made dynamically extendable beyond the endoscope distal tip through a pushable structure, allowing it to move from a retracted position (for contact imaging) to an extended position (for distant non-contact imaging of alveoli), thus adapting to different imaging requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The probe extends into a new spatial dimension beyond the endoscope's distal tip, accessing previously unreachable alveolar regions while maintaining imaging capability through the confocal fluorescence system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a miniaturized probe is inserted through the endoscope working channel, then access to deep lung structures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The miniaturized fiber optic probe is nested within the endoscope's working channel, with the probe's distal tip extendable beyond the endoscope distal tip through a pushable mechanism, allowing deep lung access while maintaining a compact integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into distinct functional components: the endoscope for insertion, the miniaturized fiber optic probe for imaging, and the pushable extension mechanism for reaching deep structures, allowing modular design and reduced overall complexity
3Measurement precision
If confocal fluorescence imaging is used, then imaging resolution is improved, but the need for invasive procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The confocal fluorescence imaging system replaces invasive mechanical biopsy procedures with a non-contact optical imaging method, allowing visualization of alveolar structures and detection of pathologies without requiring tissue removal, thus eliminating the harmful invasive aspect while maintaining high imaging resolution
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 visualization and imaging of alveoli up to 300 μm from the probe tip without direct contact, providing detailed images and spectral data, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems and reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
fiber-optic confocal fluorescence imaging system
Implementation Method 2
A fiber-optic confocal fluorescence imaging system that allows imaging of pulmonary alveoli at a distance from the endoscope
Implementation Method 3
fiber-optic confocal fluorescence imaging system capable of in vivo in situ observation and imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A method for imaging a tissue includes collecting a light signal from at least part of said tissue, using a fiber optic probe for fluorescence imaging, wherein the fiber optic probe comprises a plurality of optic fibers, and wherein a distal tip of the fiber optic probe is placed at a distance from said tissue, said imaging being made confocal at a proximal tip of said fiber optic probe. A fluorescence imaging system includes an endoscope equipped with a working channel, in which a fiber optic probe has been inserted, wherein the fiber optic probe is movable between a retracted position and at least one position of extension, said fiber optic probe comprising a plurality of optic fibers for performing imaging of a tissue, said imaging being confocal via a processor located at a proximal tip of said fiber optic probe.