Light-Based Lung Visualization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging modalities for lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, lack sufficient resolution to identify nerve locations and require multiple invasive procedures, leading to increased patient exposure to harmful radiation and higher treatment costs.
Innovation Solution
A light-based visualization system that combines electromagnetic navigation with light-based imaging, using a 3D model of the lung's luminal network and a light source and receptor to provide higher resolution images, allowing for precise target identification and treatment monitoring without additional invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive imaging technologies (CT, MRI, fluoroscopy) are used for lung imaging, then patient exposure to invasive procedures is reduced, but image resolution is insufficient to identify nerve locations and fine airway features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive imaging systems (CT, MRI) with a light-based optical imaging system. The light source emits light through the airway wall, and the light detector captures the transmitted light to generate images of the airway wall and surrounding tissues, providing high-resolution images without mechanical intrusion into the patient's body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an endoscope as an intermediary device that can be introduced through natural body openings (mouth, nose) to deliver light sources and detectors directly to the target airways. This intermediary approach allows non-invasive access while achieving the resolution needed to visualize nerves and fine airway structures
2Reliability
If multiple imaging procedures are performed to ensure complete treatment, then treatment accuracy is improved, but patient exposure to harmful radiation and treatment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time imaging during the entire treatment process through the extended working channel. The light source and detector continuously capture images as the ablation proceeds, allowing the physician to monitor treatment progress in real-time without interrupting the procedure or performing separate imaging sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The extended working channel serves multiple functions: it delivers the ablation catheter to the target, provides continuous optical imaging during treatment, and enables post-treatment verification all through a single integrated system, eliminating the need for multiple separate procedures
3Measurement precision
If higher resolution imaging is achieved through invasive procedures, then target identification accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort and treatment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging methods where light passes through the airway wall to create images of underlying structures. This non-mechanical approach avoids the need for invasive biopsies or surgical exploration, providing high-resolution images while maintaining patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging and target identification before ablation begins, and continues imaging throughout the treatment. This preliminary and continuous visualization ensures accurate target identification from the start, eliminating the need for corrective invasive procedures later
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
The system offers finer resolution images than traditional methods, enabling more accurate target identification and treatment monitoring, reducing patient exposure to radiation and treatment costs while providing detailed post-treatment analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and a light detector. The light source is configured to emit light through the airway wall, and the light detector is configured to detect the light emitted by the light source
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic sensor that senses the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generating device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for light based interrogation of a lung includes a memory, an electromagnetic (EM) board, an extended working channel (EWC), an EM sensor, a light source, a light receptor and a processor. The memory stores a 3D model and a pathway plan of a luminal network and the EM board generates an EM field. The EWC navigates a luminal network of a patient toward a target in accordance with the pathway plan and the EM sensor extends distally from a distal end of the EWC and is configured to sense the EM field. The light source is located at or around the EWC and emits light, and the light receptor is located at or around the EWC and is configured to sense reflected light from airway of the luminal network. The processor converts the reflected light into light based data and identifies a type or density of tissue.