Hyperspectral Imaging for Diabetic Tissue Oxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for diabetic foot disease and peripheral vascular disease are inadequate, as they are highly subjective, lack spatial variability assessment, and fail to accurately predict ulcer development or healing potential, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and inefficient treatment decisions.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument employing hyperspectral imaging technology, which includes a first-stage optic, spectral separator, polarizers, an imaging sensor, diagnostic processor, and filter control interface, processes tissue spectra to create pseudo-color images that characterize metabolic states, enabling early detection of tissue at risk for ulcers and assessing healing potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods (medical history and physical examination) are used, then diagnosis can be obtained, but diagnostic accuracy is poor with high false positive and false negative rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hyperspectral imaging as an intermediary diagnostic tool between physical examination and final diagnosis. The imaging system captures spectral signatures from tissue that reveal metabolic information not visible to the human eye, serving as a mediator that bridges subjective clinical assessment and objective disease detection, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the diagnostic approach by changing from visual/physical parameters to spectral parameters. By measuring reflectance spectra across multiple wavelengths (400-1000nm), the system detects subtle biochemical changes in tissue composition and oxygenation levels that correlate with disease states, enabling more precise and reliable diagnosis
2Loss of information
If current diagnostic technologies are used, then some diagnostic information can be obtained, but spatial variability assessment is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to traditional imaging by capturing reflectance data across 400-1000nm wavelengths for each pixel in the image. This creates a three-dimensional data structure (x, y, wavelength) that preserves spatial information while adding metabolic information, allowing assessment of spatial variability in tissue composition and oxygenation across the examined area
3Measurement precision
If hyperspectral imaging is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy and spatial information are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex hyperspectral imaging task into manageable components: (1) image acquisition at multiple wavelengths, (2) spectral library preparation with known tissue signatures, (3) pixel-by-pixel comparison against the library, and (4) generation of diagnostic maps. This segmentation allows the complex system to be built and operated in modular steps, reducing the practical complexity burden
4Extent of automation
If medical history and physical examination are used alone, then diagnosis can be made, but the process is highly subjective and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical/visual assessment system with an automated optical measurement system. The hyperspectral imager objectively captures spectral data that quantifies tissue properties, eliminating observer bias and subjectivity inherent in physical examination while providing precise, reproducible measurements of tissue composition and oxygenation
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
Hyperspectral imaging provides accurate, spatially relevant data on tissue oxygenation and metabolism, allowing for early detection of diabetic foot ulcers, prediction of healing outcomes, and effective monitoring of peripheral vascular disease, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral separator... to provide multispectral or hyperspectral information
Implementation Method 2
one or more polarizers... which filters a plurality of light beams into a plane of polarization before entering the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 3
an imaging sensor... which has an image data output
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to methods and systems of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging of medical tissues. In particular, the invention is directed to new devices, tools and processes for the detection and evaluation of diseases and disorders such as, but not limited to diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, that incorporate hyperspectral or multispectral imaging.