Fluorescence Perfusion Imaging Using Relative Onset Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems lack the ability to accurately predict surgical complications due to inadequate assessment of tissue perfusion, which can lead to issues such as tissue necrosis and other complications during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The system assesses tissue perfusion by analyzing fluorescence images of a fluorescence agent administered to a subject, measuring the relative onset fluorescence delay (ROFD) in different tissue areas to identify potential perfusion issues, and provides notifications or alters surgical plans based on predetermined threshold times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorescence imaging is performed to assess tissue perfusion, then the ability to predict surgical complications is improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluorescence imaging agent as an intermediary substance that circulates through the tissue to enable indirect assessment of perfusion. The agent acts as a mediator between the imaging system and the tissue, allowing clinicians to visualize blood flow patterns without directly measuring hemodynamic parameters. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable complication prediction through a manageable imaging approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or invasive measurement methods for assessing tissue perfusion with optical fluorescence imaging. Instead of using complex mechanical sensors or invasive probes to measure blood flow, the system uses non-invasive fluorescence detection to assess perfusion status, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining prediction reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging system continuously monitors fluorescence to calculate relative onset fluorescence delay, then the precision of perfusion assessment is improved, but the measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously monitors fluorescence intensity over time and compares it against threshold values to determine the relative onset fluorescence delay. The system provides real-time feedback on perfusion status, allowing dynamic adjustment of monitoring parameters and enabling precise measurement of perfusion timing without overwhelming measurement complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies the measurement process by transforming the complex temporal fluorescence signal into a single measurable parameter: the relative onset fluorescence delay time. By changing the parameter from continuous intensity monitoring to a discrete time-based metric, the system achieves precise perfusion assessment while reducing the difficulty of measurement and interpretation.
3Reliability
If multiple threshold values are used to identify areas of concern, then the reliability of complication prediction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tissue imaging area into different regions based on fluorescence intensity thresholds. By dividing the image into zones of normal and delayed perfusion, the system can apply different analysis criteria to different areas, improving prediction reliability while managing processing complexity through regionalization rather than uniform complex analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different threshold criteria and analysis methods to different local areas of the tissue based on their perfusion characteristics. Areas with delayed fluorescence onset are analyzed with specific criteria, while normally perfused areas use different standards. This local differentiation improves overall prediction reliability without requiring uniformly complex processing across the entire image.
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 clinicians to predict and mitigate surgical complications by adjusting surgical procedures, reducing the risk of tissue necrosis and improving patient outcomes by identifying areas of concern with delayed perfusion.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence imaging generally involves the administration of a bolus of an imaging agent that circulates throughout the subject's tissue and emits a fluorescence signal when illuminated with the appropriate excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that can assess whether there is an issue with tissue perfusion, which can help a clinician better predict any surgical complications that may arise. Fluorescence images of the tissue of a subject can continuously be observed until a portion of the tissue that first perfused with blood containing one or more fluorescent agents is at peak fluorescence. Any areas of the tissue from the fluorescence images that remain dark can be further observed until these areas of concern show their first sign of fluorescence. The time it takes for these areas of concern to show their first signs of fluorescence since the first onset of fluorescence in the tissue can be referred to as the relative onset fluorescence delay. If the relative onset fluorescence delay time is greater than a predetermined threshold, the clinician can alter or change the surgical plan.