Gabor Domain Optical Coherence Elastography for Axial Elasticity Gradient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic optical coherence elastography (OCE) methods face challenges in detecting elasticity gradients along the axial direction and providing accurate qualitative elasticity information due to limitations in ensuring infinite-media boundary conditions for shear wave propagation, particularly in semi-infinite media like tissues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of reverberant shear wave (RevSW) and longitudinal shear wave (LSW) fields generated by multiple pronged excitation (MPE) and coaxial coverslip excitation (CCE) sources, respectively, which allow for controlled mechanical excitation and improved detection of elasticity gradients using Gabor domain optical coherence microscopy (GD-OCM) and advanced image processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surface acoustic waves (SAW) are used for dynamic OCE in semi-infinite media, then the measurement can be performed in practical tissue conditions, but the capability to detect elasticity gradients along the axial direction is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using longitudinal shear waves (LSW) instead of surface acoustic waves (SAW). LSW propagate in the depth direction with particle displacement parallel to propagation, enabling elastic characterization along the axial direction while maintaining applicability to semi-infinite media through appropriate boundary condition handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wave type parameter from transverse SAW to longitudinal LSW, fundamentally altering the propagation characteristics. This parameter change enables detection of elasticity gradients along the axial direction while maintaining compatibility with semi-infinite tissue conditions through modified excitation and detection protocols.
2Length of stationary object
If surface acoustic waves (SAW) are used for dynamic OCE, then the measurement is compatible with optical imaging depth constraints, but accurate qualitative elasticity information independent of boundary conditions cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wave propagation parameter from surface-bound SAW to depth-propagating LSW, enabling elasticity measurements that are less sensitive to surface boundary conditions. The longitudinal nature of LSW allows for more reliable qualitative elasticity information while maintaining compatibility with optical imaging depth constraints.
3Reliability
If reverberant shear wave (RevSW) fields are generated using multiple pronged excitation (MPE), then shear wave propagation is enhanced in semi-infinite tissue, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the excitation source into multiple independent prongs or actuators arranged in a specific geometry. Each prong can be independently actuated to generate controlled mechanical vibrations that collectively produce RevSW fields, enhancing shear wave propagation while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple excitation prongs into a unified MPE system that collectively generates RevSW fields. The merged system leverages the cooperative interaction of multiple actuators to enhance shear wave propagation quality in semi-infinite tissue, achieving superior performance through coordinated multi-element operation.
4Measurement precision
If longitudinal shear waves (LSW) are generated using coaxial coverslip excitation (CCE), then elastic characterization along depth is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coaxial coverslip excitation source to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the excitation mechanism for generating LSW and as part of the detection system. The coverslip's dual role reduces overall device complexity while enabling precise elasticity gradient detection along the depth direction through its integrated multi-functional design.
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 characterization of tissue elasticity and discrimination of gradients along the depth axis, enhancing the resolution and contrast in elastographic imaging, particularly suitable for applications in the eye and skin tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a source inducing a reverberant shear wave (RevSW) field in a field of view (FOV) of an object
Implementation Method 2
a Gabor domain optical coherence microscope observing the object and detecting displacement of locations in the FOV in the object over a selected time interval
Data Source
AI summary
a) A Gabor domain optical coherence microscopy (GD-OCM) system providing high resolution of structural and motion imaging of objects such as tissues is combined with the use of reverberant shear wave fields (RevSW) or longitudinal shear waves (LSW) and two novel mechanical excitation sources: a coaxial coverslip excitation (CCE) and a multiple pronged excitation (MPE) sources providing structured and controlled mechanical excitation in tissues and leading to accurate derivation of elastographic properties. Alternatively, general optical computed tomography (OCT) is combined with RevSW or LWC in the object to derive elastographic properties. The embodiments include (a) GD-OCM with RevSW; (b) GD-OCM with LSW; (c) General OCT with RevSW; and General OCT with LSW.