Multi-Modality Optical Perfusion Device Merging OCI Fluorescence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current perfusion imaging devices are limited to single modalities, requiring multiple devices in the operating room, which is time-consuming, expensive, and inefficient, and often lacks reliability due to sensitivity to movement and depth penetration issues.

Innovation Solution

A multi-modality device integrating Optical Coherent Imaging (OCI), Fluorescence Imaging, and Digital Microscopy in a single movable unit, allowing simultaneous data capture and processing across multiple modalities to enhance diagnostic value and reduce noise, with voice command control for hands-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple single-modality devices are used in the operating room, then comprehensive perfusion assessment capability is achieved, but device complexity, cost, and operational time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperfusion assessment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (Optical Coherent Imaging, Fluorescence Imaging, and Digital Microscopy) into a single integrated device head. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices in the operating room, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive perfusion assessment capability across different tissue depths and vascular structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device head is designed to perform multiple imaging functions simultaneously - OCI for microcirculatory perfusion, Fluorescence Imaging for deeper tissue and vascular visualization, and Digital Microscopy for high-magnification structural details. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices while providing comprehensive diagnostic information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If single-modality devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic reliability is reduced due to sensitivity to movement and depth penetration issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidperfusion assessment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple imaging modalities with different penetration depths and movement sensitivities into a single integrated system. By capturing data from OCI, Fluorescence, and Microscopy simultaneously, the system cross-validates measurements and compensates for the limitations of individual modalities, thereby improving diagnostic reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device enables real-time feedback between different imaging modalities. The system uses data from multiple modalities to相互 validate and correct measurements, particularly compensating for movement artifacts by comparing signals across modalities with different sensitivity profiles, thereby enhancing measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are deployed, then comprehensive tissue depth visualization is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases due to time-consuming device switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue depth visualizationVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates three imaging modalities with different tissue penetration capabilities into a single device head that operates simultaneously. OCI provides microcirculatory information at shallow depths, Fluorescence Imaging captures deeper tissue and vascular structures, and Digital Microscopy offers high-magnification views of specific features. This simultaneous multi-depth visualization eliminates the need to switch between devices, dramatically improving operational efficiency while maintaining comprehensive tissue assessment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Improves diagnostic reliability and efficiency by combining continuous LDI signals with fluorescence data, reducing noise and artifacts, and enabling simultaneous visualization of perfusion and tissue depth, facilitating improved cancer detection and perfusion assessment without the need for multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

Optical Coherent Imaging (OCI): A contactless and non-invasive medical imaging modality utilizing the physical properties, and in particular the coherence properties, of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical Coherent Imaging: Coherent Light

Implementation Method 2

Fluorescence Imaging, and Digital Microscopy in a single movable unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler Effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2872035B1Perfusion assessment multi-modality optical medical device
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 AIMAGO
  • EP2872035B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2872035B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5c
  • EP2872035B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A perfusion assessment multi-modality optical medical device comprising a white light image sensor and optical system configured to image a body area of interest, a coherent light source for illuminating said body area of interest with wavelength of 760- 810nm, an OCI image sensor detecting the fluctuations of the backscattered light near the illumination wavelength from at least part of said illuminated body area of interest, a fluorescence image sensor to detect the fluorescence signal at higher wavelength than the illumination wavelength from at least part of said illuminated body area of interest, a screen to show the results from the modalities, all previous items being included in a single movable unit which furthermore comprises a processing unit to calculate perfusion map from the OCI image sensor using LDI or LSI algorithms, wherein said white light image sensor, said OCI image sensor and said fluorescence image sensor, at least partially, use a common optical path.