Multispectral Endoscopic Imaging for Motion-Robust Blood Flow Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser-based perfusion technologies struggle with motion artifacts from moving tissues/organs, leading to inaccurate blood flow and perfusion quantification, especially in clinical scenarios where the target is not stationary, and fail to provide subsurface physiological visualization.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral imaging system using multiple light sources with different wavelengths (UV/visible and NIR) captures both surface and subsurface tissue information, combining anatomical structure and blood flow physiology to synthesize accurate blood flow rate distributions, while accounting for motion artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laser-based perfusion technologies are used to image moving tissues/organs, then the imaging process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple wavelength segments (UV/visible for surface anatomy, NIR for subsurface physiology). By segmenting the spectral information and processing motion artifacts differently for each wavelength range, the system achieves accurate blood flow quantification in moving tissues without requiring a single overly complex imaging mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectral dimension by using multispectral imaging across UV/visible and NIR wavelengths. This additional dimensional approach allows the system to separate anatomical information from physiological information, enabling accurate blood flow measurement in moving organs by analyzing motion characteristics across different spectral bands.
2Length of stationary object
If UV/visible light is used for surface tissue imaging, then anatomical visualization is detailed, but penetration depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that handles both surface anatomy and subsurface physiology through multispectral capability. The system processes UV/visible wavelengths for surface anatomical detail and NIR wavelengths for subsurface physiological information, then integrates both data types to provide comprehensive tissue characterization in a single platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines information from different spectral wavelengths (UV/visible and NIR) to create a composite physiological-anatomical image. This composite approach integrates surface anatomical structures with subsurface blood flow and perfusion data, providing complete tissue information that neither wavelength range could provide alone.
3Reliability
If conventional single-wavelength imaging is used, then device complexity is low, but the ability to remove motion artifacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by comparing anatomical information from UV/visible wavelengths with physiological information from NIR wavelengths. The system analyzes motion characteristics across spectral bands and uses this feedback to distinguish between tissue motion and blood flow, thereby removing motion artifacts and improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameter by imaging across multiple wavelength ranges (UV/visible and NIR) rather than using a single wavelength. This parameter change enables the system to capture different tissue interactions with light, providing multiple data dimensions that facilitate motion artifact removal through comparative analysis.
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
The system provides precise, real-time visualization and quantification of blood flow and perfusion by integrating anatomical and physiological data, enhancing accuracy and removing motion artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
light of shorter wavelengths can penetrate only the superficial layers of the tissues while light of longer wavelengths can penetrate both superficial layers and sub-surface layers in the spectral region from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR)
Implementation Method 2
Laser Doppler Imaging and the like with multispectral capability
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Multispectral imaging systems are provided including a first light source having a first wavelength configured to image a sample; a second light source, different from the first light source, having a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, configured to image the sample; and at least a third light source, different from the first and second light sources, having a third wavelength, different from the first and second wavelengths, configured to image the sample. A camera is configured to receive information related to the first, second and at least third light sources from the sample. A processor is configured to combine the information related to the first, second and at least third light sources provided by the camera to image an anatomical structure of the sample, image physiology of blood flow and perfusion of the sample and/or synthesize the anatomical structure and the physiology of blood flow and perfusion of the sample in terms of a blood flow rate distribution. The imaging system is directed and focused on a field of view (FOV) in a region of interest of the sample using an endoscope.