Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Control for Automatic Fluorophore Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence imaging technologies lack the ability to automatically identify fluorophores and optimize imaging systems based on fluorophore identity or tissue type, leading to suboptimal image capture and display during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence imaging control system that determines the lifetime of fluorescence emitted by a fluorophore, allowing it to identify the fluorophore's identity or the tissue type present, and adjusts the imaging system's configuration accordingly to enhance image quality and segmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is used to highlight certain portions of the surgical area, then image quality and tissue differentiation are improved, but the ability to automatically identify fluorophores and optimize imaging parameters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system automatically measures fluorescence lifetime, identifies fluorophores, and optimizes imaging parameters without manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the detected fluorescence characteristics to automatically adjust imaging settings and identify tissue types, eliminating the need for manual optimization while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from fluorescence lifetime measurements to automatically adjust imaging parameters. By continuously monitoring the fluorescence characteristics and comparing them against reference data, the system automatically optimizes imaging settings and identifies fluorophores, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal performance without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluorophores are used for different imaging purposes, then imaging versatility is improved, but the complexity of managing and optimizing each fluorophore increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to handle multiple fluorophores with different imaging requirements through a single unified platform. By measuring fluorescence lifetime and using this information to automatically adjust parameters, the system can universally accommodate various fluorophores without requiring separate optimization procedures for each type, thus maintaining versatility while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes imaging parameters based on the detected fluorescence lifetime characteristics of different fluorophores. By dynamically adjusting parameters such as excitation wavelength, detection sensitivity, and image processing settings according to the measured fluorescence properties, the system adapts to different fluorophores without manual reconfiguration, reducing operational complexity.
3Extent of automation
If fluorescence lifetime measurement is performed to identify fluorophores, then automatic identification capability is improved, but measurement time and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of fluorescence lifetime characteristics during the imaging process itself, rather than requiring separate identification steps. By continuously monitoring fluorescence decay characteristics and comparing them against pre-stored reference data, the system identifies fluorophores in real-time without adding significant measurement time, as the identification occurs concurrently with image acquisition.
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 identification of fluorophores and tissue types, optimizing fluorescence imaging for improved surgical efficiency and effectiveness by enhancing image quality and segmentation.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence excitation illumination configured to excite a fluorophore present at the scene; detect fluorescence emitted by the fluorophore in response to excitation of the fluorophore by the fluorescence excitation illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A system is configured to direct an imaging device included in a computer-assisted surgical system to detect, during a surgical procedure performed with the computer-assisted surgical system, fluorescence emitted by a population of fluorophores present at a scene. The imaging device includes a detector having a plurality of distinct regions each configured to detect the fluorescence emitted by the population of fluorophores. Directing the imaging device to detect the fluorescence includes directing the plurality of distinct regions to sample the fluorescence in succession over a time period that is less than a lifetime of the fluorescence to generate a plurality of fluorescence image signals. Each region included in the plurality of distinct regions generates a distinct fluorescence image signal included in the plurality of fluorescence image signals. The lifetime of the fluorescence is determined based on the plurality of fluorescence image signals.