Medical Imaging System Simultaneous Visible and Fluorescent Light Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems are inadequate for generating simultaneous visible light and diagnostic images, particularly in open surgical environments, where complex optics and hardware are required, and there is a need for improved surgical and diagnostic imaging tools capable of concurrent functional imaging.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system that provides simultaneous rendering of visible light and diagnostic images, adaptable for open surgical, laparoscopic, or endoscopic environments, using a combination of visible and excitation light sources, filters, cameras, and image processing to superimpose diagnostic images onto visible light images, enabling real-time visualization of circulatory systems and tissue viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dye imaging device is combined with a visible light imaging system to generate simultaneous images, then functional imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex optics and hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visible light imaging and fluorescent dye imaging into a single integrated system. The camera captures both visible light photons and fluorescent photons through the same optical path, merging two imaging functions into one device. This eliminates the need for separate imaging systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining functional imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: visible light imaging, fluorescent imaging, and simultaneous dual-mode imaging. The camera and optical system are universally applicable to both imaging modalities, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
2Measurement precision
If separate imaging systems are used for visible light and diagnostic imaging, then imaging precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in coordinating multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
By merging visible light and fluorescent imaging into a single simultaneous capture process, the system eliminates the need to coordinate separate imaging systems. The camera captures both types of photons at the same time through the same optical path, making operation as simple as taking a single photograph rather than coordinating multiple separate imaging processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a composite image that simultaneously represents both visible light anatomy and fluorescent functional information. This single composite image copy contains all necessary diagnostic information, eliminating the need to manually overlay or coordinate separate images from different systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex optics are used to achieve simultaneous imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both imaging functions through a single optical path using the camera's sensor array. This approach requires minimal optical components compared to systems that would need separate optical paths for each imaging mode. The simplification of the optical train directly reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining simultaneous imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical optical switching mechanisms with a direct simultaneous capture approach using the camera's inherent ability to detect different photon wavelengths. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts, switches, or complex optical routing mechanisms that would require high manufacturing 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
The system enables real-time, accurate visualization of surgical sites by superimposing diagnostic images onto visible light images, enhancing surgical precision and tissue identification, and is portable for various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
Absorption and fluorescent dyes, such as indocyanine green, have proven useful for medical imaging applications. The dyes emit light at a specific wavelength when excited
Implementation Method 2
A camera, sensitive to photons in the near-infrared spectrum, captures images from the surgical site
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging system provides simultaneous rendering of visible light and diagnostic or functional images. The system may be portable, and may include adapters for connecting various light sources and cameras in open surgical environments or laparascopic or endoscopic environments. A user interface provides control over the functionality of the integrated imaging system. In one embodiment, the system provides a tool for surgical pathology.