Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Control for Dynamic Fluorophore Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence imaging technologies in medical imaging lack the ability to automatically identify fluorophores and optimize imaging system operations 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 to identify its identity or the tissue type present, thereby optimizing the configuration of the fluorescence excitation illumination and imaging device settings for improved image quality and surgical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is used to highlight portions of the surgical area, then image quality and surgical precision are improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases due to the need to accommodate multiple fluorophores with different excitation and emission characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the illumination source to switch between different excitation wavelengths based on the identified fluorophore type. The system automatically adjusts illumination parameters in real-time according to fluorescence lifetime measurements, transforming a static imaging system into a dynamic one that adapts to different fluorophores without requiring multiple fixed illumination sources for each fluorophore type
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including excitation wavelength, illumination intensity, and imaging device settings based on the detected fluorescence lifetime. By measuring the fluorescence lifetime and using this information to adjust system parameters, the patent optimizes image quality for different fluorophores while maintaining a single illumination source, thereby reducing system complexity
2Productivity
If manual identification of fluorophores is used, then system operation is simpler, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual adjustment and suboptimal image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system performs self-identification of fluorophores by automatically measuring fluorescence lifetime and determining fluorophore type without surgeon intervention. The system self-adjusts illumination and imaging parameters based on the detected characteristics, eliminating the need for manual fluorophore identification and optimization while improving surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where the detected fluorescence lifetime information is used to automatically adjust illumination source operation and imaging device settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of image capture based on the actual fluorophore present, significantly improving productivity without requiring manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If a single illumination source is used for all fluorophores, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to suboptimal excitation for specific fluorophores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single dynamic illumination source that automatically adjusts its excitation wavelength and intensity based on real-time fluorescence lifetime measurements. This dynamic adjustment allows the single illumination source to optimize its performance for different fluorophores, achieving measurement precision equivalent to having multiple specialized sources while maintaining reduced device complexity
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, enhancing the quality of fluorescence images and surgical scene segmentation, improving surgical efficiency by optimizing system operations based on fluorophore identity or tissue type.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence images are generated based on detected fluorescence emitted by a fluorophore upon excitation by a light source
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary fluorescence imaging control system may direct, during a surgical procedure performed with a computer-assisted surgical system, an illumination source included in the computer-assisted surgical system to illuminate a scene associated with the surgical procedure with fluorescence excitation illumination configured to excite a fluorophore present at the scene and direct an imaging device included in the computer-assisted surgical system to detect, during the surgical procedure, fluorescence emitted by the fluorophore in response to excitation of the fluorophore by the fluorescence excitation illumination. The fluorescence imaging control system may determine, based on the detected fluorescence, a lifetime of the fluorescence and determine, based on the determined lifetime of the fluorescence, an identity of the fluorophore. The fluorescence imaging control system may configure, during the surgical procedure and based on the determined identity of the fluorophore, operation of the computer-assisted surgical system.