Fluorescence Imaging of Thermal Damage Beyond the Treatment ROI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical technologies struggle to accurately visualize and detect thermally denatured regions outside the region of interest during minimally invasive treatments using energy devices, leading to potential unintended damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A medical device and system that utilizes special light sources to generate excitation light for advanced glycation end products, combined with imaging devices to capture fluorescence images, and processors to determine and output support information on thermally denatured regions outside the set region of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluorescence imaging is used to visualize thermally denatured regions, then the visibility of cauterization state is improved, but the detection accuracy of thermally denatured regions outside the region of interest deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing divides the imaging region into multiple zones: the region of interest (ROI) and surrounding regions. By segmenting the analysis area, the system can apply different processing strategies to different zones, enabling accurate detection of thermally denatured regions both within and outside the ROI while maintaining overall visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different image processing algorithms and analysis parameters to different spatial regions. The ROI receives one type of processing while surrounding regions receive another, optimizing the detection sensitivity and specificity for each zone's specific requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the region of interest is tightly defined, then the focus on target tissue is improved, but the detection of unintended damage to surrounding tissues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends detection beyond the two-dimensional ROI boundary by analyzing fluorescence signals in the surrounding tissue regions. This dimensional extension allows the system to maintain precise ROI definition while simultaneously monitoring for thermal damage in adjacent areas that would otherwise go undetected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously monitoring fluorescence signals and comparing them against thermal denaturation thresholds. When thermally denatured regions are detected outside the ROI, the system can alert the operator or adjust treatment parameters to prevent further unintended damage.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple imaging modes are used to detect thermally denatured regions, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single fluorescence imaging device that can operate in multiple modes (ROI-focused imaging and surrounding region imaging) rather than requiring separate devices for each function. This multi-functional approach maintains detection capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different detection capabilities by changing imaging parameters (such as excitation light intensity, emission wavelength filtering, and image processing algorithms) rather than adding multiple physical imaging devices. This parameter-based flexibility allows one device to perform multiple detection functions.
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
Enhances the visualization of thermally denatured regions, enabling precise detection and prevention of unintended tissue damage during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device configured to generate an imaging signal by imaging fluorescence from a thermally denatured region generated from advanced glycation end products in the biological tissue
Implementation Method 2
an imaging element configured to generate an imaging signal by imaging return light or light emitted from the biological tissue irradiated with the special light or the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to acquire setting information in which a region of interest is set for a biological tissue and thermal denaturation information regarding a thermally denatured region in which thermal denaturation has occurred by heat treatment for the biological tissue, determine whether or not there is the thermally denatured region outside the region of interest based on the setting information and the thermal denaturation information, and output support information indicating that there is the thermally denatured region outside the region of interest when it is determined that there is the thermally denatured region outside the region of interest.