Intraocular OCT Imaging System for Real-Time Ocular Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocular surgery lacks real-time, cross-sectional imaging capabilities, particularly during complex procedures like cataract surgery, which hinders precise visualization of internal ocular components such as the crystalline lens.
Innovation Solution
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with extended depth range capabilities, combining scans, removing artifacts, and compensating for dispersion to produce composite images of the entire cornea, crystalline lens, and posterior segment, integrated with an operation microscope for real-time visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional ocular surgery without specialized imaging equipment is used, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the surgeon lacks real-time cross-sectional visualization of internal ocular components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple OCT scanning functions into a single integrated imaging system that can capture both anterior and posterior segment structures. The system merges anterior segment imaging, posterior segment imaging, and composite imaging capabilities into one cohesive apparatus that provides comprehensive ocular visualization during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various imaging modes including anterior segment scanning, posterior segment scanning, and composite imaging. This universal system can adapt to different surgical needs and provide diverse visualization capabilities without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If OCT imaging is used to provide real-time cross-sectional views, then surgical precision is enhanced, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the ocular structure into distinct scanning regions: anterior segment imaging for structures like the cornea and lens, and posterior segment imaging for the retina and optic nerve. This segmentation allows the system to process and display images in manageable sections while maintaining high precision for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface imaging to three-dimensional cross-sectional visualization by implementing optical coherence tomography. This dimensional enhancement provides depth information and internal structure visualization, significantly improving measurement precision and surgical guidance capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the imaging depth range is extended to cover the entire cornea and crystalline lens, then comprehensive visualization is achieved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters including gain settings, integration times, and signal processing algorithms based on the imaging depth and target structure. This dynamic optimization maintains high signal-to-noise ratio across varying depths by adapting the system response to the specific imaging requirements of anterior versus posterior segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system employs parameter changes in the OCT signal processing, including frequency domain transformation, envelope detection, and logarithmic compression. These parameter transformations enhance the visibility of deep structures by optimizing the signal representation and maintaining contrast across the extended depth range.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple scans are combined to image the entire ocular system, then complete coverage is achieved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment and registration of multiple scans before final composite image generation. By pre-processing the individual anterior and posterior segment scans with alignment algorithms and coordinate transformations, the system simplifies the subsequent composite imaging process and reduces the computational complexity of merging multiple datasets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary processing stage that acts as a mediator between individual scan acquisition and final composite image generation. This intermediary layer performs coordinate transformation, image registration, and data fusion operations, simplifying the overall processing architecture by separating concerns into distinct processing stages.
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 surgeons to visualize internal ocular structures in real-time, enhancing surgical precision and reducing the risk of under- or over-filling the lens capsular bag during procedures like lens refilling, and facilitating imaging of the entire anterior and posterior segments of the eye.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that measures backscattered light as a function of depth to provide subsurface imaging with high spatial resolution in three dimensions with no contact needed between the probe and the tissue. An OCT system uses an interferometer in which light from a broadband source is split between illuminating the sample of interest and a reference path. The interference pattern of light reflected or backscattered from the sample and light from the reference delay is used to produce an image of the sample.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatuses for an intraocular imaging system are disclosed comprising an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The OCT system has an imaging range that may enable substantial portions of an eye or even a whole eye to be imaged. The OCT system may be coupled to an operation microscope, such that, for example, a surgeon can visualize ocular structures like the human crystalline lens and other ocular structures such as the cornea and/or vitreous while surgical instruments are in the field of view.