Fluorescence Micro-Bolus Imaging for Abnormal Perfusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence-guided surgery methods struggle to objectively and quantitatively detect abnormal perfusion patterns, such as cancerous or inflammatory tissue, due to limitations in visual assessment and the inability to conduct multiple measurements without a washout period, leading to potential underestimation of disease extent and increased surgical risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a series of controlled micro-boluses of fluorescent agents to create an oscillating input signal, allowing for continuous perfusion monitoring and real-time detection of abnormal perfusion patterns by analyzing tissue's impact on the input signal through body kernels, enabling automated identification of abnormal tissue areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual assessment of fluorescence is used to detect tissue perfusion, then the method is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and objectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment system with an automated image processing and analysis system. The system captures fluorescence images, processes them through algorithms to extract perfusion parameters, and provides objective quantitative measurements, thereby substituting subjective visual assessment with automated computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system between the fluorescence signal and the final assessment. This intermediary layer includes image processing algorithms, signal analysis routines, and parameter calculation methods that transform raw visual data into objective quantitative perfusion metrics.
2Illumination intensity
If a large bolus of fluorescent agent is administered for fluorescence-guided surgery, then the signal intensity is sufficient for detection, but multiple measurements cannot be conducted without a washout period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large bolus administration into multiple smaller boluses. Instead of administering one large dose, the system administers several smaller doses at intervals, allowing each dose to be washed out partially before the next is given. This enables multiple sequential measurements without requiring complete washout between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic administration of fluorescent agent boluses. The system uses a series of periodic, smaller boluses rather than a single large bolus, allowing the fluorescence signal to be replenished periodically while maintaining sufficient signal intensity for continuous monitoring across multiple measurement cycles.
3Device complexity
If only one predefined area is visualized per ICG assessment, then the measurement process is simple, but the ability to monitor multiple tissue areas simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the assessment system universal by enabling it to evaluate multiple predefined areas of interest simultaneously. The image processing system can extract perfusion parameters from multiple ROIs in parallel, allowing the same system to assess different tissue regions without requiring separate measurement protocols or additional equipment.
4Ease of operation
If surgeons rely on visual inspection to identify abnormal tissue, then the process is straightforward, but abnormal tissue is often overlooked leading to underestimation of disease extent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the surgeon's visual inspection system with an automated computer-based analysis system. The system processes fluorescence images through algorithms that objectively identify abnormal perfusion patterns, reducing reliance on human visual capabilities and minimizing the risk of overlooking abnormal tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the automated analysis system provides quantitative perfusion assessments that feed back to the surgeon. This feedback includes objective measurements of perfusion parameters and visualizations of abnormal areas, enabling the surgeon to make more informed decisions about tissue abnormality detection.
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, continuous detection of abnormal perfusion patterns, reducing surgical risks and improving surgical precision by distinguishing between normal and abnormal tissue, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence imaging agent, wherein the series of boluses is administered with a predefined and/or controlled duration between subsequent boluses
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for continuously detecting, and optionally classifying, abnormal perfusion patterns in tissue by means of fluorescence imaging. A computer implemented method for detecting (and/or identifying) one or more areas having an abnormal perfusion pattern in tissue of a subject, for example during a medical procedure, includes: continuously acquiring fluorescence images of the tissue, wherein the fluorescence images are associated with a fluorescent output signal correlated with an input signal defined by a series of boluses of at least one fluorescent imaging agent, and wherein the series of boluses is administered with a predefined and/or controlled duration between subsequent boluses, analyzing the fluorescence images, identifying at least one tissue area with normal perfusion, defining a normal perfusion pattern (in an intensity domain and) in a time domain, and detecting, in the fluorescence images, possible tissue areas with abnormal (non-normal) perfusion pattern.