Fundus Imaging Illumination for Microvascular Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for microvascular assessment in patients with conditions like sepsis or coronavirus disease face challenges in accurately imaging and monitoring endothelial cell dysfunction, particularly due to limitations in visualizing microvasculature without causing patient discomfort or reducing the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A fundus imaging device system that includes a microvascular assessment computing device, capable of capturing and analyzing images of the retina to assess microvascular health, using techniques such as fluorescent dye imaging and pupil reactivity analysis, to provide a microvascular health index and detect early signs of endothelial deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fundus imaging is performed using high intensity flash of neutral white light, then good dynamic contrast and accurate color reproduction are achieved, but the pupil contracts which limits the field of view and prevents continuous imaging without dilation or patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using lower intensity light and extending the exposure time, rather than using high intensity flash. This allows the pupil to remain dilated while still achieving proper exposure, thus maintaining field of view without causing discomfort or requiring pupil dilation drops
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or continuous low-intensity illumination instead of intermittent high-intensity flashes, allowing the pupil to maintain a steady state without repeated contraction responses, enabling continuous imaging
2Measurement precision
If high intensity flash is used for fundus imaging, then good dynamic contrast is achieved, but patient discomfort increases and continuous imaging is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using lower intensity light combined with longer exposure times, achieving adequate image quality without the harmful effects of high intensity flash, thus reducing patient discomfort while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous imaging through prolonged low-intensity illumination, eliminating the need for repeated high-intensity flashes that cause discomfort, thus maintaining continuous useful action without harmful interruptions
3Area of stationary object
If pupil dilation is performed to maintain field of view, then continuous imaging is enabled, but patient discomfort increases and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameters to use lower intensity with extended exposure, eliminating the need for chemical pupil dilation, thus reducing procedure complexity while maintaining field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses extended exposure time as an intermediary parameter to achieve the same effect as pupil dilation, avoiding the need for dilation drops and simplifying the overall procedure
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 continuous and comfortable imaging of microvasculature, allowing for early detection of endothelial dysfunction and potential patient deterioration, aiding in timely clinical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
A fundus imaging device is positioned at an eye of a patient. A camera of the fundus imaging device operates to continually capture images of the eye of the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system for microvascular assessment of a patient can include: a fundus imaging device including: a camera configured to capture one or more images of an eye of the patient; and at least one light source; and a microvascular assessment computing device including: a processor; and memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: activate the light source to direct light at a fundus of the eye of the patient; capture, with the camera, one or more images of the fundus of the patient, the fundus comprising a plurality of blood vessels; and analyze with the microvascular assessment computing device, the one or more images to determine a microvasculature health index for the patient.