Fluorescence-Guided Thermal Region Mapping in Endoscopic Cauterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical endoscope systems struggle to accurately visualize thermal treatment regions in biological tissues due to the occurrence of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) during thermal denaturation, which emit fluorescence, making it difficult for operators to confirm the extent of thermal denaturation regions.

Innovation Solution

A control device and medical system that includes a processor to extract thermal treatment regions from fluorescence images, impart output mode information to these regions, and output this information for improved visualization, utilizing a light source to excite AGEs with specific wavelength light and a control device to process imaging signals for enhanced visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluorescence imaging is used to observe thermal treatment regions, then the operator can confirm the thermally denatured region, but the AGEs fluorescence emission makes it difficult to accurately distinguish and visualize the thermal treatment boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal treatment region visualization accuracyVSAvoidAGEs fluorescence interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful AGEs fluorescence emission into a beneficial indicator by using the fluorescence intensity and distribution patterns to precisely delineate thermal treatment boundaries. The system processes fluorescence images to extract thermal treatment region information, transforming the previously problematic fluorescence emission into a useful diagnostic tool for accurate visualization of cauterized areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image processing algorithms and analysis systems as intermediaries between the fluorescence emission source and the operator's observation. These intermediary processing steps filter, enhance, and interpret the fluorescence signals to eliminate the harmful interference effect while preserving the useful diagnostic information about thermal treatment regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the energy device is used to cauterize biological tissue, then thermal treatment is achieved, but AGEs are generated that emit fluorescence and obscure treatment region boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecauterization effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment region boundary information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fluorescence images are captured in real-time during or after cauterization, processed to identify thermal treatment regions, and then used to guide further treatment decisions. This closed-loop feedback system allows the operator to continuously monitor treatment progress and adjust energy application to maintain precise control over treatment boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary image processing and analysis of fluorescence signals before final visualization is presented to the operator. By pre-processing the fluorescence images to enhance contrast and delineate boundaries, the system prepares the information in advance to compensate for the information loss caused by AGEs fluorescence interference during the actual treatment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 precise visualization of thermal treatment regions by distinguishing AGE fluorescence, allowing operators to better understand and control thermal treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a light source device configured to emit excitation light that excites a substance generated by applying a thermal treatment to a biological tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250359728A1Control device, medical system, operation method of medical device, and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A control device for use with a medical device includes a processor includes hardware. The processor is configured to: extract a first thermal treatment region treated by an energy device from a first fluorescence image for a biological tissue; impart information of an output mode of the energy device to the first thermal treatment region of the fluorescence image; and output the information of the output mode imparted to the first thermal treatment region.