Integrated OCT and Stereoscopic Imaging for Composite Surgical Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical procedures face challenges in integrating and synchronizing multiple imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and stereoscopic visualization, to provide a unified, real-time, three-dimensional view of the surgical site, particularly due to the transparent nature of corneal tissue and the difficulty in dye staining, which hinders clear visualization of folded, torn, or wrinkled areas.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating an optical coherence tomography module and a stereoscopic visualization camera within a head unit, with a controller that registers and renders volumetric data from both sources to create a shared composite view, allowing for the extraction of structural features and pathologies, and facilitates real-time alignment of intraocular devices using annotations and synchronized data updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities (OCT and stereoscopic camera) are integrated to provide comprehensive visualization, then the completeness of surgical information is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of synchronization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines OCT module and stereoscopic camera module into a single integrated head unit, merging multiple imaging modalities into one unified system. This allows simultaneous acquisition of both en face and cross-sectional views, providing comprehensive surgical information while managing system complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to handle multiple imaging modalities universally, processing and synchronizing data from both OCT and stereoscopic camera through a single platform. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive visualization without requiring separate independent systems
2Loss of time
If real-time data processing and synchronization is implemented for multiple imaging modalities, then the timeliness of surgical guidance is improved, but the computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of coordinate systems between OCT and stereoscopic camera data before actual surgical use. This pre-alignment reduces real-time processing requirements during surgery, as the transformation matrices are pre-computed and stored for rapid application during procedures
3Measurement precision
If precise registration of volumetric data from different imaging modalities is achieved, then the accuracy of three-dimensional visualization is improved, but the difficulty of data alignment and coordinate transformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration target as an intermediary object that serves as a common reference for both OCT and stereoscopic camera. This mediator enables precise coordinate system registration by providing known geometric features that can be detected by both modalities, facilitating accurate alignment without direct complex transformations
4Illumination intensity
If dye staining is used to enhance visualization of corneal tissue, then the contrast of tissue features is improved, but the ability to visualize folded, torn, or wrinkled areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the visualization into multiple complementary views: en face views from the stereoscopic camera show surface topology and defects, while cross-sectional OCT views reveal internal structure and staining patterns. This segmentation allows each modality to contribute its strength without the limitations of the other
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
Enhances surgical precision by providing a unified, three-dimensional composite view that improves patient outcomes in ophthalmology by fusing datasets from various imaging techniques, enabling accurate alignment and extraction of curvatures and pathologies during procedures like cataract and corneal transplants.
Implementation Method 1
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module is at least partially located in the head unit and configured to obtain a first set of volumetric data of the target site
Implementation Method 2
A stereoscopic visualization camera is at least partially located in the head unit and configured to obtain a second set of volumetric data of the target site
Data Source
AI summary
A system for guiding an ophthalmic procedure is disclosed. The system includes a housing assembly with a head unit configured to be at least partially directed towards a target site in an eye. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module and stereoscopic visualization camera are at least partially located in the head unit and configured to obtain a first set and a second set of volumetric data, respectively. A controller is configured to register the first set and second set of volumetric data to create a third set of registered volumetric data. The third set and second set of registered volumetric data are rendered, via a volumetric render module, to a first and second region. The first region and the second region are overlaid to obtain a shared composite view of the target site. The controller is configured to extract structural features and/or enable visualization of the target site.