Forward-Looking Duplex Imaging System for CTO Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular imaging techniques, such as IVUS and OCT, face challenges in visualizing and penetrating Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs) due to limited penetration depth and radial visualization, making it difficult to identify and treat CTOs effectively, especially since existing SFE probes have slow frame rates and large rigid lengths that compromise OCT image quality.
Innovation Solution
A duplex imaging system combining forward-looking RGB reflectance images with forward-penetrating OCT images from a scanning fiber endoscope, allowing for high-resolution surface and cross-sectional imaging, enabling visualization of occlusions before penetration and providing three-dimensional data to improve diagnostic accuracy and safety during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the SFE probe rotates at high speed (10 kHz) for RGB imaging, then surface imaging frame rate is improved, but OCT image quality deteriorates due to excessive lateral motion artifact and insufficient A-line samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the SFE probe based on the imaging mode. During OCT acquisition, the probe rotation is temporarily reduced or paused to minimize lateral motion artifact, while RGB imaging utilizes the normal high-speed rotation. This dynamic adjustment allows both imaging modes to achieve optimal quality without permanent compromise to either performance metric.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system employs periodic action by alternating between RGB imaging mode and OCT imaging mode in a structured sequence. During designated OCT acquisition windows, the probe rotation is synchronized or decelerated to capture sufficient A-line samples, while RGB imaging occurs during high-speed rotation phases. This periodic alternation ensures both modalities receive adequate acquisition time without continuous conflict.
2Measurement precision
If the SFE probe uses a longer fiber length to reduce rotational speed, then OCT image quality improves, but RGB imaging performance deteriorates with slower frame rates and larger rigid length
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters (rotational speed) based on the active imaging mode rather than permanently altering the physical fiber length. During OCT mode, the rotational speed parameter is reduced to improve image quality, while during RGB mode, the full rotational speed is utilized to maintain high frame rates. This parameter adjustment approach avoids the trade-offs associated with permanent structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The SFE probe is designed with multi-functionality to perform both high-speed RGB imaging and high-quality OCT imaging using the same fiber length. The system achieves this universality through intelligent control of rotational speed and timing sequences, allowing a single probe design to optimize performance for both imaging modalities without requiring different fiber lengths for each function.
3Measurement precision
If current IVUS and OCT probes are used for CTO imaging, then cross-sectional vessel information is obtained, but the ability to visualize beyond the side scanning sensor position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from purely radial cross-sectional imaging to forward-looking imaging by changing the dimensional perspective. The SFE probe captures reflected light from tissue surfaces in the forward direction along the vessel axis, providing longitudinal information about CTO extent and characteristics ahead of the catheter tip. This dimensional shift complements the cross-sectional data with crucial forward-viewing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward-looking imaging capability provides preliminary visualization of the CTO and surrounding tissue structure before the catheter and guidewire penetration occurs. This advance information about the occlusion's location, extent, and potential crossing points enables better planning and execution of the penetration procedure, reducing the risk of accidental lumen exit and improving overall procedural success.
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 safe and precise identification and visualization of CTOs, calcifications, and microchannels, facilitating safer guidewire penetration and guiding therapy by providing detailed cross-sectional and three-dimensional images that were previously inaccessible, enhancing clinical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
OCT operates similarly but utilizes the longitudinal partial coherence of light rather than time delay of sound waves, to obtain information from reflected, scattered light
Implementation Method 2
OCT operates similarly but utilizes the longitudinal partial coherence of light rather than time delay of sound waves, to obtain information from reflected, scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for directed to duplex imaging techniques for combining high-resolution surface images obtained with a Scanning Fiber Endoscope (SFE), and high-resolution penetrating OCT images obtained through Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), from a SFE, and interleaving frames to improve resolution and identify below surface information of biological structures.