Multi-Source Surgical Imaging System for Concealed Tissue Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical imaging systems are limited in their ability to recognize and convey information about concealed structures and dimensions within a three-dimensional space, leading to incomplete views of surgical sites, which can hinder medical practitioners' decision-making and increase the risk of damaging critical structures during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-source imaging system that combines data from first and second imaging devices to identify and define boundaries of connective soft tissue planes, using structured light, spectral imaging, and contrast agents to provide a comprehensive, three-dimensional representation of anatomical structures, allowing for enhanced visualization and tissue characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single imaging device is used to view the surgical site, then the device complexity is low, but the information completeness and recognition of concealed structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging devices (first imaging device for en face views, second imaging device for cross-sectional views) into a single surgical imaging system. The controller integrates images from both devices to provide comprehensive visualization of surgical sites, including concealed structures, thereby reducing information loss while managing complexity through unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various imaging modes (en face, cross-sectional, three-dimensional representations) using multiple imaging devices. This universal system can adapt to different surgical needs and provide diverse information types (anatomic structure, tissue composition, functional information) from a single integrated platform.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the ability to recognize concealed structures and three-dimensional dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that automatically processes and integrates images from multiple imaging devices. It performs complex tasks such as identifying anatomic structures, defining tissue plane boundaries, and generating three-dimensional representations without requiring manual intervention from the surgeon, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enhancing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional en face views to three-dimensional cross-sectional representations by integrating data from multiple imaging devices. This dimensional enhancement allows accurate recognition of concealed structures and spatial relationships while the automated processing maintains operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If multiple imaging devices are integrated with automated analysis, then the visualization capability and information delivery are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides real-time feedback by analyzing images from multiple imaging devices and displaying integrated results showing anatomic structures, tissue planes, and surgical instrument positions. This feedback loop enhances surgical safety by continuously monitoring and presenting comprehensive information while the automated nature of the feedback reduces the perceived complexity for the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of images from multiple devices, pre-identifying anatomic structures and tissue boundaries before the surgeon needs to interpret them. This preliminary processing enhances reliability by ensuring accurate structure recognition while reducing the operational burden on the surgeon.
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 approach enables improved visualization and characterization of tissues, facilitating more accurate surgical procedures by providing real-time, detailed information about tissue planes, tumor locations, and vascularization, thereby reducing the risk of damaging critical structures and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a structured light emitter configured to emit a structured light pattern on a surface of the anatomic structure, and an image sensor configured to detect reflected structured light pattern
Implementation Method 2
a spectral light emitter configured to emit spectral light in a plurality of wavelengths capable of penetrating the anatomic structure and reaching an embedded structure located below the surface of the anatomic structure
Implementation Method 3
The wavelength outside the spectrum of visible light can include an ultrasound wavelength or an infrared wavelength
Implementation Method 4
The wavelength outside the spectrum of visible light can include an ultrasound wavelength or an infrared wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
In general, devices, systems, and methods for multi-source imaging are provided.