Medical Multi-Dye Fluorescence Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluorescence imaging systems face challenges in obtaining usable fluorescent imagery when using visible spectrum excitation light and white illumination light simultaneously, as the fluorescence light is overwhelmed by the stronger white light reflection from tissue, leading to stroboscopic effects and low frame rates, especially in open surgery.
Innovation Solution
A medical multi-dye fluorescence imaging system with a controller managing multiple light sources and image sensors, utilizing a first lighting mode that activates excitation light in the visible spectrum and background illumination in the far red or near infrared spectrum to overlay fluorescent images over monochromatic background images, and a second lighting mode for dyes excited in the far red or near infrared spectrum, allowing for full-color background imaging with fluorescence imaging in the same spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visible spectrum excitation light and white illumination light are used simultaneously, then fluorescent imaging can be performed with color background, but the fluorescence light is overwhelmed by white light reflection causing stroboscopic effects and low frame rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination spectrum into distinct wavelength bands: visible spectrum excitation light (400-700nm) and infrared background illumination (>700nm). By using separate light sources and sensors for each band, the system avoids the interference that occurs when using white light, enabling high frame rate fluorescent imaging without stroboscopic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary infrared wavelength band as a mediator between the visible excitation light and the fluorescent signal. The infrared light provides background illumination without interfering with the fluorescent emission detection, acting as a bridge that enables both color background imaging and high-quality fluorescent overlay.
2Measurement precision
If visible spectrum excitation light is used, then fluorescent imaging can be performed, but the fluorescence signal is overwhelmed by stronger white light reflection from tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into separate wavelength-sensitive components: a first sensor for visible spectrum fluorescent light and a second sensor for infrared background light. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate in its optimal wavelength range without interference from the other, improving fluorescence detection accuracy while maintaining background illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the background illumination from visible (white) light to infrared light. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction with tissue: infrared light penetrates deeper and reflects differently, providing background illumination that does not overwhelm the fluorescent signal in the visible spectrum.
3Ease of operation
If alternating recording of white light image and fluorescent image is used, then frame rate decreases due to switching between illumination modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous recording of both fluorescent and background images by using multiple light sources that operate concurrently at different wavelengths. The first light source provides visible excitation light while the second light source provides infrared illumination, allowing both image types to be captured continuously without switching, thereby maintaining high frame rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where a single camera system can simultaneously perform fluorescent imaging and color background imaging. By adding infrared illumination and using sensors sensitive to different wavelength ranges, the system achieves universal capability to capture multiple types of surgical information concurrently.
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
This solution enables clear, stroboscope-free fluorescent imaging in the visible spectrum with monochromatic background and full-color imaging in the far red or near infrared spectrum, improving surgical visualization without the drawbacks of simultaneous visible spectrum excitation and white illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source configured to emit light having a first excitation wavelength capable of exciting a first predetermined fluorescent dye to return fluorescence emission
Implementation Method 2
a second light source configured to emit light in a second wavelength range forming a second light that includes a second wavelength outside of any frequencies filtered out from impinging on the second sensor
Implementation Method 3
a first sensor configured to detect light at the first excitation wavelength
Implementation Method 4
a second sensor configured to detect light at the second wavelength
Implementation Method 5
a filter configured to block light at the first excitation wavelength from impinging on the second sensor
Implementation Method 6
an image processor configured to receive image data from the first sensor and from the second sensor and to combine the image data into composite images in which fluorescent images are overlayed over background images
Data Source
AI summary
A medical multi-dye fluorescence imaging system and method. In a first lighting mode for a first predetermined dye fluorescing in the visible spectrum, a first narrow band fluorescence excitation light is generated in the visible spectrum and a second narrow band fluorescence excitation light is generated in the far red or near infrared spectrum, fluorescent image data are taken with a first image sensor sensitive in the visible spectrum and background image data are taken with a second image sensor sensitive in the far red or near infrared spectrum, wherein the visible spectrum fluorescent image data are overlaid over the far red or near infrared background image data.