Multi-fiber OCT Probe for Minimally Invasive Volumetric Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems are limited by the size of their probe heads, which include large objective lenses and galvanometers, preventing their use in minimally invasive surgical procedures due to the need for large openings, thereby restricting their application in surgeries that utilize endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel optical coherence system with a compact multichannel optical probe that uses multiple single-mode optical fibers and distal optical elements to direct external beam paths towards a common spatial region, allowing for volumetric imaging without the need for large motors or MEMS scanners, and employing image processing hardware to generate composite volumetric images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large objective lens and galvanometers are used in the OCT probe, then imaging quality is improved, but the probe size increases making it unsuitable for minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple independent single-mode optical fibers, each capable of performing OCT imaging independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve volumetric imaging through multiple 1D scans without requiring a single large scanning mechanism, thereby maintaining small probe size while preserving imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems (galvanometers and large objective lenses) with a static multi-fiber optical arrangement. The mechanical scanning function is substituted by having multiple fixed fibers oriented at different angles, eliminating the need for large moving parts while maintaining imaging capability
2Ease of operation
If the probe size is reduced for minimally invasive use, then ease of insertion and patient safety are improved, but the ability to perform volumetric imaging is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The probe uses multiple single-mode optical fibers (e.g., 7 fibers) arranged in a specific geometric pattern, each contributing to different spatial dimensions of imaging. This segmentation enables the small probe to perform complete volumetric imaging by combining data from multiple 1D scans taken at different orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from attempting to achieve 3D imaging in a single scan plane to acquiring multiple 1D scans along different spatial dimensions and reconstructing them into a complete volumetric image through computational processing. This dimensional approach allows small probe size while maintaining full volumetric imaging capability
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 the use of OCT in minimally invasive procedures by providing a compact probe that can be used inside surgical cavities with reduced risk of damage, facilitating detailed volumetric imaging and improved surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a proximal end of each single mode optical fiber is in optical communication with a respective optical coherence system, such that each single mode optical fiber forms at least a distal portion of a sample beam path
Implementation Method 2
each distal optical element is in optical communication with a distal end of a respective optical fiber for focusing or collimating optical radiation emitted therefrom along a respective external beam path
Implementation Method 3
for collecting scattered optical radiation that is scattered along the respective external beam path
Implementation Method 4
process optical coherence tomography signals obtained from the plurality of optical coherence tomography subsystems to generate an optical coherence tomography image dataset comprising a plurality of optical coherence tomography A-scans
Data Source
AI summary
Multichannel optical coherence systems and methods involving optical coherence tomography (OCT) subsystems are operably and respectively connected to optical fibers of a multichannel optical probe, such that each optical fiber forms at least a distal portion of a sample beam path of a respective OCT subsystem. The optical fibers are in optical communication with distal optical elements such that external beam paths associated therewith are directed towards a common spatial region external to the housing. Image processing computer hardware is employed to process OCT signals obtained from the plurality of OCT subsystems to generate an OCT image dataset comprising a plurality of OCT A-scans and process the OCT image dataset to generate volumetric image data based on known positions and orientations of the external beam paths associated with the OCT subsystems.