Fluorescent Dye Imaging for Vessel Patency Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques lack effective methods for determining the patency of vessels proximal to damaged tissues, such as flaps or grafts, and for preventing unintended injury during surgical ablation procedures, particularly in visualizing coronary arteries and veins in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the administration of a fluorescent dye, such as tricarbocyanine dye, followed by the application of energy to induce fluorescence, and the use of an imaging system with a computer, energy source, and sensor to obtain and analyze fluorescent images, allowing for the determination of vessel patency and real-time visualization of heart tissue during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging techniques are used, then general tissue visualization is possible, but vessel patency assessment is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent dyes that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, creating visual contrast between patent and occluded vessels. The dye causes blood-filled vessels to fluoresce, allowing clear differentiation of vessel patency status through color/brightness changes in the captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent dye acts as an intermediary substance that enhances the visibility of blood vessels. It is administered to the subject and accumulates in the bloodstream, allowing the imaging system to detect and visualize vessel structures and patency that would otherwise be difficult to assess with traditional imaging methods.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent dye imaging is implemented, then vessel patency can be determined, but additional equipment and procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture images at different wavelengths to assess both vessel patency and tissue perfusion, and can be used for various surgical procedures including flap monitoring and coronary vessel visualization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the subject's own bloodstream as the imaging medium by administering fluorescent dye that naturally circulates through the vessels. The blood flow itself delivers the contrast agent to the target areas, eliminating the need for complex delivery mechanisms or invasive catheter-based dye injection systems.
3Reliability
If real-time imaging is achieved through fluorescent dye, then surgical safety is improved, but dye administration and imaging procedures are added
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent dye is administered before the surgical procedure begins, allowing time for the dye to circulate and accumulate in the vessels of interest. This preliminary administration ensures that when imaging is performed during surgery, the vessels are already well-visualized, enabling real-time safety monitoring without delaying the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system provides real-time visual feedback during surgical procedures, allowing surgeons to immediately assess vessel patency and tissue perfusion status. This feedback mechanism enables intraoperative decision-making and adjustment of surgical technique to prevent complications, with the fluorescent imaging serving as a continuous monitoring tool.
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 accurate assessment of vessel patency and reduces the risk of iatrogenesis by providing clear, real-time images of blood vessels, facilitating safer surgical procedures and effective treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
applying a sufficient amount of energy to the tissue such that the fluorescent dye fluoresces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods and systems for imaging.