Hyperspectral Imaging System for Peripheral Arterial Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical hyperspectral imaging technologies are costly, have poor temporal and spatial resolution, and are not cost-effective for diagnosing conditions associated with irregular blood flow due to high computational and optical requirements, making them unaffordable for medical establishments despite their potential for providing detailed diagnostic information.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hyperspectral imaging system that quickly captures complete hyperspectral images using unique optical architectures, allowing for battery operation and handheld use, reducing computational and imaging time, and enabling more efficient data processing, thus making the technology more affordable and accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional medical hyperspectral imaging technologies are used, then detailed diagnostic information on blood flow and oxygenation can be obtained, but the cost is prohibitively high and the imaging time is too long for practical medical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral acquisition process by using multiple fixed wavelength LEDs instead of scanning through the entire spectrum sequentially. This allows simultaneous capture of multiple spectral bands, dramatically reducing imaging time while maintaining diagnostic quality through targeted wavelength selection for blood flow and oxygenation assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by selecting specific wavelength bands that are most relevant for medical diagnostics (e.g., wavelengths sensitive to hemoglobin oxygenation states). This parameter optimization enables high-quality diagnostic imaging with reduced spectral coverage, thereby decreasing acquisition time without sacrificing measurement precision
2Loss of information
If conventional hyperspectral imaging systems are implemented, then comprehensive arterial function data can be collected, but the computational requirements and equipment costs make them unaffordable for most medical establishments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential spectral information needed for arterial function assessment by using selected wavelength LEDs rather than capturing the entire hyperspectral cube. This extraction approach maintains completeness of diagnostically relevant data while eliminating unnecessary computational and hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex hyperspectral cameras and broad-spectrum light sources with inexpensive, fixed-wavelength LEDs and simple photodetectors. This substitution uses cheaper components that perform the specific medical diagnostic function adequately, making the system affordable for routine clinical use
3Loss of information
If existing imaging technologies are used, then some aspect of blood flow or oxygenation can be measured, but none can provide complete information on all three critical parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where a single device simultaneously measures all three critical parameters (blood flow, oxygenation level, and oxygen delivery efficiency) by integrating multiple wavelength LEDs and photodetectors that can capture diverse physiological information in one imaging session, thereby increasing diagnostic throughput
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
This approach reduces clinical expenditures, increases the throughput of medical imaging, provides more accurate diagnostic data for peripheral arterial function, and allows medical establishments to employ diagnostically powerful hyperspectral imaging within reimbursement limits, improving patient access and healthcare efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
collecting a plurality of images of a location on an extremity of a subject with the imaging system, wherein each respective image in the plurality of images is collected by the imaging system at a unique spectral band
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system collects a plurality of images of an extremity of a subject, each collected at a unique spectral band. A physiologic arterial parameter of the extremity is determined from the plurality of images upon image registration. A record of the physiological arterial parameter is recorded in an electronic data store and an indication of the parameter is outputted. The method is performed by a medical professional associated with a temporal clinical expenditure cost in an epoch, for an entity. The product of the (i) epoch and the (ii) temporal clinical expenditure cost is less than a difference between (a) an average or absolute reimbursement associated with the current procedural terminology code by the entity and (b) incidental expenditures associated with the performance of the method.