Fluorescence Tracking for Blood Flow Velocity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining flow characteristics in bodily fluids, such as blood, are inadequate in precision and accuracy, particularly in imaging and measuring velocity in blood vessels using fluorescent markers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for fluorescence-based tracking of a light-emitting marker in a bodily fluid stream, involving the delivery of a marker into the stream, monitoring with a sensor, recording data, determining time characteristics, and calculating flow characteristics, including velocity vectors, through techniques like cross-correlation, smoothing, and thresholding to generate a velocity map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent markers are used for basic imaging of bodily structures, then imaging capability is achieved, but precision and accuracy in determining flow characteristics are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into distinct functional modules: fluorescent marker delivery system, illumination source, sensor array for detecting light, and data processing system. Each module performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization and reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision for flow characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple wavelengths of light and corresponding fluorescent markers with different emission characteristics. By changing the optical parameters (wavelength, intensity, timing) and analyzing temporal variations in fluorescent signal, the system achieves precise measurement of flow characteristics including velocity and direction without requiring overly complex hardware
2Measurement precision
If basic fluorescent imaging is used, then structural visualization is achieved, but velocity measurement accuracy in blood vessels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the fluorescent signal intensity over time and uses this feedback to calculate velocity. By tracking the temporal changes in fluorescent marker concentration at different spatial locations and applying cross-correlation analysis, the system achieves accurate velocity measurement while simplifying the detection process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic illumination with specific wavelengths to excite fluorescent markers, and samples the emitted light at regular time intervals. This periodic action allows for consistent measurement conditions and simplifies the detection of flow characteristics by creating predictable signal patterns that are easier to analyze
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 approach provides accurate and detailed flow characteristics, enabling precise measurement of velocity in bodily fluids, improving the understanding of fluid dynamics within vessels.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence based tracking of a light-emitting marker in a bodily fluid stream
Data Source
AI summary
Fluorescence based tracking of a light-emitting marker in a bodily fluid stream is conducted by: providing a light-emitting marker into a fluid stream; establishing field of view monitoring by placement of a sensor, such as a high speed camera, at a region of interest; recording image data of light emitted by the marker at the region of interest; determining time characteristics of the light output of the marker traversing the field of view; and calculating flow characteristics based on the time characteristics. Furthermore generating a velocity vector map may be conducted using a cross correlation technique, leading and falling edge considerations, subtraction, and/or thresholding.