Fluorescence Trigger for OCT Blood Clearance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic rotary joints (FORJs) face challenges in achieving high-speed, real-time acquisition of images during procedures like intravascular OCT imaging, particularly due to the need for high computational power and the difficulty in maintaining compactness and high coupling efficiency, especially when dealing with large wavelength differences and blood clearance in coronary arteries.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fluorescence triggers, such as auto-fluorescence and near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) triggers, which allow for automatic blood clearance detection and image recording without requiring high computational power, using a patient interface unit (PIU) with a free space beam combiner, rotational motor, and translation motorized stage, enabling efficient blood clearance monitoring and image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high computational power is used for image processing during pullback, then image quality and analysis precision are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining trigger thresholds and acquisition parameters before the procedure. The trigger is set to activate automatically when fluorescence intensity crosses a predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for real-time computational processing during the actual imaging procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the fluorescence signal itself to trigger the acquisition process. The fluorescence detector monitors the signal and automatically initiates image capture when the threshold is crossed, making the system self-regulating without requiring external computational intervention.
2Productivity
If pullback speed is increased for high-speed acquisition, then productivity is improved, but image quality and coupling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is pre-configured with appropriate thresholds and timing parameters that optimize image quality at high pullback speeds. The system prepares the acquisition system in advance so that images are captured at the optimal moment when fluorescence intensity is highest, ensuring quality despite rapid movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors fluorescence intensity during pullback and uses this feedback to trigger image acquisition at the optimal moment. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that images are captured when conditions are most favorable, maintaining quality even at high speeds.
3Volume of moving object
If compact FORJ structure is implemented, then device size is reduced, but coupling efficiency and structural stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The FORJ is divided into separate functional modules: a compact rotary joint for mechanical rotation, a fluorescence detector for optical detection, and a trigger mechanism for control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining coupling efficiency while reducing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary trigger mechanism that coordinates between the mechanical pullback system and the optical detection system. This intermediary ensures proper timing and synchronization, maintaining coupling efficiency even in a compact configuration.
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
This solution enables high-speed, real-time image acquisition with reduced computational power requirements, achieving structural compactness and high coupling efficiency, facilitating effective imaging of coronary arteries and other biological structures without the need for complex computational processing.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence triggers, such as auto-fluorescence and near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) triggers
Implementation Method 2
OCT (optical coherence tomography) is a technique for obtaining high-resolution cross-sectional images of tissues or materials, and enables real time visualization. The aim of the OCT techniques is to measure the time delay of light by using an interference optical system or interferometry
Implementation Method 3
Spectrally encoded endoscope (SEE) is an endoscope technology that uses a broadband light source, a rotating or oscillating grating and a spectroscopic detector to encode spatial information from a sample
Data Source
AI summary
One or more triggers, fluorescence or auto-fluorescence triggers, NIRAF triggers, methods of using triggers, fiber optic rotary joints (FORJ), free space beam combiners, OCT, SEE and/or fluorescence devices and systems for use therewith, methods of using and/or manufacturing same and storage mediums are provided. One or more embodiments using one or more triggers achieve structural compactness and/or high-speed acquisition while avoiding or reducing the need for high computational power. One or more embodiments use one or more triggers, one or more fluorescence triggers, one or more auto-fluorescence triggers, or NIRAF triggers, and/or one or more rotary joints, for performing pullback and/or image recording. Examples of optical applications that may involve the use of a trigger, fluorescence/auto-fluorescence trigger or NIRAF trigger, and/or a fiber optic rotary joint, include imaging, evaluating and characterizing/identifying biological objects or tissue, such as, but not limited to, for gastro-intestinal, otolaryngologic, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications.