Microcirculation Index Generation via Laser Speckle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a fast, non-invasive, and accurate method for detecting sepsis, which is critical for timely intervention and reducing mortality rates, as existing methods are either invasive, inaccurate, or not integrated into clinical workflows.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing optical image information to generate a microcirculation map and a quantitative microcirculation index, combining laser speckle imaging with image processing to monitor microvascular blood flow non-invasively and continuously, enabling early detection of sepsis and monitoring of treatment responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sepsis detection methods are used, then detection may be less invasive or simpler, but accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into three functional modules: an imaging module that captures optical images of microvasculature, a processing module that generates microcirculation maps from the images, and an analysis module that calculates quantitative microcirculation indices. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in a specific task, improving overall detection accuracy while making the complex system more manageable and integrable into clinical workflows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microcirculation maps as an intermediary representation between raw optical images and final sepsis detection results. These maps visually represent blood flow patterns in microvasculature, serving as a bridge that translates complex optical data into clinically interpretable information, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used for microcirculation monitoring, then measurement precision may be improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical probing methods with non-invasive optical imaging. Laser speckle imaging technology captures blood flow information in microvasculature through optical means without requiring physical penetration or contact with tissue, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving patient comfort and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes optical properties and light interaction with blood (effectively using color/optical absorption changes) to detect microcirculation status. By analyzing how light interacts with hemoglobin in blood vessels, the system can monitor microcirculation non-invasively with high precision, avoiding the need for invasive procedures
3Productivity
If fast detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by generating microcirculation maps from optical images before conducting the actual sepsis detection analysis. This preliminary visualization step organizes the data in a way that facilitates faster subsequent analysis while preserving all necessary information for accurate detection, thus improving productivity without compromising precision
4Ease of operation
If non-invasive monitoring is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs laser speckle imaging technology that measures blood flow by detecting changes in light scattering patterns caused by moving red blood cells. By transforming the measurement parameter from direct physical contact to optical scattering analysis, the system achieves both non-invasive operation and high reliability in microcirculation monitoring
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
Provides continuous, non-invasive monitoring of microvascular blood flow, reducing operator effort and potential errors, and offering an objective index for sepsis detection and treatment assessment, improving clinical decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
combining laser speckle imaging with image processing to monitor microvascular blood flow non-invasively and continuously
Data Source
AI summary
A method in one embodiment includes acquiring optical image information with a detection unit configured to be operably coupled to a patient. The optical image information corresponds to microcirculation of the patient. The method also includes generating a microcirculation map of microvasculature of the patient using the optical image information. Further, the method includes generating a quantitative microcirculation index based on the microcirculation map, the quantitative microcirculation index corresponding to a condition of the patient.