Surgical Microscope OCT Overlay for Real-Time Image Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical imaging systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating real-time volumetric OCT images with conventional video data, leading to overwhelming or distracting surgeons due to separate presentations or modality switching difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for multimodal image acquisition and visualization that integrates time-resolved video and OCT data using a surgical microscope with a control unit to synchronize and present both image types on a single display, ensuring local correspondence and stereoscopic compatibility, allowing seamless switching and optimized presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCT data is acquired sequentially using a movable reference mirror to achieve high axial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to long acquisition times preventing real-time volume imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static sequential scanning approach to a dynamic parallel acquisition system. Multiple reference mirrors are positioned at different fixed distances simultaneously, enabling parallel OCT signal acquisition from different depths without mechanical movement during imaging, thus achieving real-time volume imaging while maintaining high axial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single sequential scanning process into multiple parallel acquisition channels. Each reference mirror corresponds to a specific depth range, and multiple such mirrors enable simultaneous acquisition of OCT signals from different depth segments, collectively forming a complete volumetric image in real-time
2Productivity
If volumetric OCT images are presented in real-time during surgery, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to the need for parallel acquisition systems and real-time processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple virtual copies of the reference arm by positioning multiple reference mirrors at different fixed distances. Each mirror-copied reference arm processes a specific depth range in parallel, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning systems while enabling real-time volumetric OCT imaging through simultaneous signal acquisition
3Measurement precision
If video and OCT images are presented on separate screens or in different regions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for head or eye movement and modality switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges video images and OCT images into a single integrated display region with corresponding spatial alignment. The control unit processes both image types and presents them together on the same screen at the same location, allowing surgeons to view both modalities simultaneously without head or eye movement, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining image quality
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 surgeons to view integrated video and OCT images without head or eye movement, enhancing attentiveness and providing optimized depth perception and clarity during surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
OCT essentially is an interferometric method using broadband light with a short coherence length
Implementation Method 2
methods for acquiring depth information from the field of view have also been developed in the meantime. These methods include optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Implementation Method 3
Systems for acquiring OCT data therefore comprise an interferometer and a broadband light source with a spectral width of more than 1% of the central wavelength
Implementation Method 4
acquisition of surface information from a desired field of view, for example on the basis of reflected or back-scattered visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for multimodal image acquisition and image visualization, including a surgical-microscopic system with an optical unit and an image sensor and designed for acquiring a time-resolved image signal of a selected field of view of a sample. The system includes an OCT system, which is designed to acquire a time-resolved OCT signal of the selected field of view, a display means designed for the time-resolved display of image data and a control unit. The control unit is configured to ascertain video image data corresponding to the acquired image signal and to present them on the display means, to ascertain a time-resolved OCT image, corresponding at least to a portion of the presented video image data, on the basis of the acquired OCT signal, and to present the OCT image on the display means at the position of the portion.