Multispectral Display Device for Sub-Surface Vessel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical assistive devices for minimally invasive procedures are limited in detecting sub-surface structures beyond 1 cm depth, particularly on the face, due to issues like reflective bones, small vessel size, non-planarity of surfaces, and inability to differentiate between arterial and venous structures, making it difficult for procedures like PICC and cosmetic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using multispectral radiation bands, including NIR, to acquire and display subcutaneous structures by combining acquisition and display means with a processor that adjusts anatomical models to match surface and sub-surface images, enabling deeper tissue visualization and differentiation between venous and arterial structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NIR illumination is used to detect surface venous vessels, then detection of superficial vessels (within 5 mm depth) is improved, but detection of deeper subcutaneous structures (greater than 1 cm depth) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D surface imaging to 3D volumetric reconstruction by acquiring images at multiple wavelengths and processing them to create depth-resolved representations of subcutaneous structures, enabling visualization beyond the superficial 5mm limit
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the wavelength parameter of illumination light to penetrate different tissue depths, using multiple wavelengths to overcome the 1cm depth limitation of single-wavelength NIR and achieve visualization of deeper arterial structures
2Measurement precision
If direct vessel detection approach is used, then superficial venous vessels can be visualized, but differentiation between arterial and venous structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different wavelength-specific detection qualities to different vessel types, using specific wavelength ranges that highlight arterial structures versus venous structures based on their different optical absorption characteristics, enabling differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic modulation of light sources at different wavelengths and synchronized detection to distinguish between arterial and venous flow patterns, enabling vessel type identification beyond simple structural detection
3Measurement precision
If NIR lighting is applied to the face, then venous structures can be detected, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to reflective bones and non-planarity of surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accounts for the curved, non-planar geometry of facial surfaces by using multiple acquisition angles and processing algorithms that compensate for surface curvature, allowing accurate vessel detection despite the complex facial topology
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of surface geometry data and bone structure information before vessel detection, using this pre-acquired data to correct for reflective interference and optimize the detection parameters for each specific facial region
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 display of subcutaneous structures, including arteries and veins, at depths greater than 1 cm, even under bone or muscle structures, improving the accuracy of minimally invasive operations and reducing the risk of damage to nerves and vessels during procedures like filler injections.
Implementation Method 1
lighting with NIR light and the subsequent capture of images that are processed to highlight the venous structures
Implementation Method 2
the differential absorption, between the vessel and the regions outside the vessel, must be significant
Implementation Method 3
the subsequent capture of images that are processed to highlight the venous structures
Implementation Method 4
a three-dimensional mapping of the body part concerned is reconstructed, from which it is possible to extract information on the sub-surface structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device (1) is provided for displaying sub-surface structures comprising acquisition means (2) configured to acquire images (20) of at least part of the body of a user (10) or of an object from acquisition signals defining a pre-determinable multispectral radiation band, display means (3) configured to make at least one of the images (20) accessible to an operator in real time, a processor (4) configured to coordinate the acquisition means (2) and the display means (3) and to extract, from the images (20), reference signals including first surface and/or sub-surface localization points (23) defined by the part of the body or the object, a database (5) operationally connected to the processor (4) and including a plurality of models (50) of sub-surface structures of said part of the body or the object, each defining predetermined configurations of second localization points (51 ), in which the processor (4) is configured to compare each of the models (50) with the reference signals and select one model (50) the second localization points (51) of which match more with the first localization points (23), and in which the display means (3) are configured to also make accessible to the operator the model (50) selected in such a way that the operator can see the sub-surface structure of the part of the body or the object.