Fluorescence Perfusion Mapping for Objective Tissue Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies, such as fluorescence imaging, provide limited and subjective assessments of blood flow and tissue perfusion, often confounded by factors like brightness and image noise, and lack standardized protocols for consistent tracking over multiple sessions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for processing fluorescence images to generate a ranking map image by analyzing time-intensity curves, using parameter values to quantify tissue perfusion, enabling standardized and consistent assessment across sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluorescence imaging is used to assess tissue perfusion, then visual assessment of blood flow is possible, but the assessment becomes subjective and ambiguous due to factors like brightness and image noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with automated computational analysis. Image processing algorithms objectively analyze fluorescence intensity time-series data to generate perfusion metrics, eliminating human subjectivity and ambiguity while maintaining ease of operation through computer-based processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between raw fluorescence images and perfusion assessment. These algorithms process the images through standardized protocols, converting visual data into objective quantitative metrics that resolve the ambiguity inherent in direct visual interpretation
2Duration of action of moving object
If visual assessment protocols are used for tracking perfusion over multiple sessions, then monitoring is possible, but consistency is lacking due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms subjective visual assessments into objective quantitative parameters. By measuring specific physiological metrics (perfusion index, time to peak intensity, area under curve) rather than relying on visual judgment, the system ensures consistent and reproducible assessments across multiple imaging sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces variable human visual assessment with standardized computational processing. The same algorithms are applied uniformly across all imaging sessions, eliminating inter-observer and intra-observer variability and ensuring stable, reproducible measurements over time
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
The method provides a standardized and objective evaluation of tissue perfusion, reducing subjectivity and ambiguity, facilitating consistent clinical decision-making and tracking of perfusion status over time.
Implementation Method 1
employ the administration of a bolus of an imaging agent (such as for example, indocyanine green (ICG), which binds with blood proteins in a subject) that subsequently circulates throughout the subject's vasculature and emits a fluorescence signal when illuminated with the appropriate excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for characterizing tissue of a subject are disclosed. The method includes receiving a time series of fluorescence images of the tissue of the subject wherein the images define a plurality of calculation regions, generating a plurality of time-intensity curves for the plurality of calculation regions, creating a set of parameter values for each calculation region, generating a total rank value for each calculation region by comparing the sets of parameter values, and converting the total rank value into a ranking map image. Also disclosed are methods and systems for characterizing a wound in tissue by generating a wound index value.