Non-invasive Kidney Viability Assessment via Optical Coherence Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing transplant kidney viability are invasive, unreliable, and unable to accurately predict post-transplant outcomes, leading to inefficiencies in organ utilization and increased risks due to ischemic insult and rejection.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive kidney viability assessment system (KVAS) using a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) device with an intelligent algorithm that evaluates kidney microstructures and blood flow in real-time, providing quantitative values for predicting post-transplant outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light microscopy of excision kidney biopsies is used, then kidney pathology can be evaluated, but the procedure causes dramatic destructive artifacts to kidney tubules and only images small segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical biopsy excision with optical coherence tomography imaging. The OCT system uses light waves to generate cross-sectional images of kidney tissue non-invasively, eliminating the need for physical tissue removal and avoiding destructive artifacts while maintaining diagnostic capability for evaluating kidney pathology and tubular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the kidney tissue using OCT technology. The system generates detailed cross-sectional images that replicate the structural information obtained from biopsies without requiring physical tissue excision, allowing evaluation of kidney pathology through non-destructive optical imaging
2Measurement precision
If excision biopsies are performed, then kidney pathology can be analyzed, but the procedure is destructive to kidneys and takes time to analyze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming biopsy excision and laboratory analysis with real-time optical coherence tomography imaging. The OCT system provides immediate cross-sectional images of kidney tissue, eliminating the need for tissue processing, sectioning, and histological analysis, thereby reducing analysis time from hours to seconds while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous real-time imaging of kidney tissue using OCT. The system can continuously acquire cross-sectional images during transplantation procedures, allowing dynamic assessment of kidney viability and immediate detection of ischemic changes without interruption of the surgical workflow
3Reliability
If conventional imaging methods are used, then global imaging of kidney surface can be achieved, but the methods are invasive and cannot reliably predict post-transplant outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive biopsy procedures with non-invasive optical coherence tomography imaging. The OCT system uses light waves to penetrate and image kidney tissue without physical contact or tissue removal, providing reliable prediction of post-transplant outcomes through assessment of tubular structure, blood flow, and tissue viability markers while maintaining complete non-invasiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light scattering, absorption, refractive index) to assess kidney viability and predict post-transplant outcomes. The OCT system measures these optical parameter changes in real-time to evaluate tubular structure, detect ischemic changes, and determine tissue viability without invasive procedures
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 objective and reliable assessment of transplant kidney viability, improving the prediction of post-transplant renal function and reducing the risk of delayed graft function and rejection by providing real-time, non-invasive imaging and analysis of kidney microstructures and blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device for imaging the donor kidney and generating at least one image
Implementation Method 2
optical coherence tomography (OCT) device with an intelligent algorithm that evaluates kidney microstructures and blood flow
Data Source
AI summary
A kidney viability assessment system (KVAS) is disclosed which provides objective and reliable tests to assess the viability of transplant or donor kidneys in vivo and predict their post-transplant outcomes. KVAS includes an optical device augmented by an intelligent algorithm that can evaluate the viability or quality of the donor kidney in a real-time, non-invasive way. In particular, it includes a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging device and at least one processor configured for executing a set of instructions corresponding to an automatic image processing algorithm for quantification of kidney microstructures and functions. Handheld OCT can survey the entire surface of kidney, and the image processing algorithm automatically segments and quantifies the diameter and/or density of the kidney microstructures, blood flows, etc., and quantitative values are displayed in real-time on a display of the KVAS.