Fluorescence Imaging Catheter Training Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Training for intravascular surgery using catheters with x-ray radiation exposes physicians to radiation, and existing methods fail to effectively differentiate between x-ray absorption coefficients of contrast agents and guide wires, making it difficult to enhance training effects without x-ray imaging.
Innovation Solution
A training apparatus utilizing fluorescence imaging with a light source, filter, camera, and computer for image processing, where a fluorescent agent is applied to catheters and guide wires, allowing for enhanced visibility and control over image display to simulate catheter insertion without x-ray exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If x-ray imaging is used for training, then radiation exposure occurs, but training effectiveness is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the x-ray imaging system with a fluorescence imaging system. Instead of using ionizing radiation (x-rays) to visualize catheters and guide wires, the system uses fluorescent agents that emit visible light when excited by specific wavelengths, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining imaging capability for training purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from x-ray absorption detection to fluorescence emission detection. By using fluorescent agents with specific excitation and emission wavelengths, the system transforms the physical principle of imaging from radiographic absorption to optical fluorescence, achieving radiation-free visualization
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluorescence imaging is used without x-ray, then radiation exposure is eliminated, but differentiation between catheter and guide wire becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different fluorescent agents with distinct spectral characteristics to different components: one fluorescent agent for catheters and another for guide wires. This local differentiation in fluorescent properties enables the imaging system to distinguish between catheters and guide wires by detecting their unique fluorescence emission spectra, thereby achieving component differentiation without radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different fluorescence emission colors (wavelengths) to differentiate between catheters and guide wires. By selecting fluorescent agents that emit at distinct wavelengths, the system enables visual differentiation of components through color or spectral variation in the fluorescence images
3Illumination intensity
If fluorescent agent is applied to both catheter and guide wire, then visibility is improved, but image complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates image processing algorithms that analyze fluorescence signals and provide feedback to distinguish between catheter and guide wire signals. By processing the fluorescence images to identify and separate the signals from different fluorescent agents, the system reduces image complexity and presents clear, differentiated visual information to the user
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 effective training for catheter insertion and guide wire manipulation without radiation exposure, improving training efficacy by clearly differentiating between catheters and guide wires through fluorescence imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that illuminates an organ model in which a catheter is to be inserted, a fluorescent agent being applied to the catheter
Implementation Method 2
a filter that rejects illuminating light from the light source and transmits fluorescence from the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system that enables training for catheter surgery without using radiation. The system offering training for catheter surgery includes: a light source; a blood vessel model to which a catheter having a fluorescent agent applied thereto is inserted; a tank in which the blood vessel model is placed; a filter for rejecting white light that is not transmitted through the blood vessel model, of illuminating light from the light source; a camera for imaging fluorescence transmitted through the filter; a driver for changing the attitude of the light source; and a computer that performs a process of reversing black and white of an image signal output from the camera.