Integrated OCT and Stereoscopic Imaging for Surgical Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic imaging modalities face challenges in accurately combining and visualizing multiple data sets from different imaging techniques, such as OCT and stereoscopic visualization, to effectively guide surgical procedures like corneal transplants and cataract surgeries, due to issues with transparency of corneal tissue and inadequate dye staining.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating an optical coherence tomography (OCT) module and a stereoscopic visualization camera within a head unit, with a controller to register and render volumetric data from both sources, creating a shared composite view that overlays and synchronizes data for improved visualization and extraction of structural features and pathologies during ophthalmic surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities (OCT and stereoscopic camera) are integrated to provide comprehensive surgical information, then the quantity and quality of information available to the surgeon is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of precisely representing and synchronizing multiple data sets increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an OCT module and a stereoscopic visualization camera into a single head unit, merging multiple imaging modalities into one cohesive system. This allows simultaneous acquisition of both en face and cross-sectional volumetric data of the cornea, providing comprehensive surgical information while managing system complexity through unified integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines 2D en face imaging from the stereoscopic camera with 3D volumetric cross-sectional imaging from OCT. By registering these different dimensional data sets and presenting them in a coordinated manner, the system provides multi-dimensional visualization that enhances surgical understanding without requiring the surgeon to mentally integrate separate 2D and 3D data sets.
2Illumination intensity
If dye is used to stain corneal tissue to improve visualization of structural features, then the visibility of edges and defects is improved, but the ability to visualize folded, torn or wrinkled areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses OCT cross-sectional imaging to visualize folded, torn, or wrinkled corneal areas that cannot be adequately seen with surface dye staining alone. By providing volumetric cross-sectional views, the system reveals internal tissue architecture and folding patterns that are invisible to surface-level optical methods, complementing rather than replacing dye staining.
3Measurement precision
If volumetric data from OCT and stereoscopic camera are registered and rendered to create a shared composite view, then surgical guidance precision is improved, but the processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of the OCT and stereoscopic camera coordinate systems before surgery using fiducial markers or anatomical landmarks. This pre-alignment establishes a common reference frame that simplifies real-time data fusion during surgery, reducing computational burden and processing time while maintaining high precision.
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 synchronized, immersive view of the surgical site, enabling real-time guidance for procedures like cataract surgery and corneal transplants, and facilitating accurate alignment and annotation of intraocular devices.
Implementation Method 1
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module at least partially located in the head unit is configured to obtain a first 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.