Multispectral Surgical Imaging for Chromophore Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical systems lack effective methods for accurately determining chromophore concentrations in surgical scenes, which hinders precise visualization and detection of foreign bodies or diseased tissues, and requires complex hardware and bandwidth for hyperspectral imaging.
Innovation Solution
Selecting illumination wavelength ranges based on expected chromophores at the surgical scene, estimating chromophore concentrations using a pre-computed model, and generating representations such as hyperspectral or visible-range images without additional hardware, allowing for improved detection and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hyperspectral imaging is used to determine chromophore concentrations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is segmented into multiple discrete wavelength ranges (e.g., blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, red) instead of using continuous hyperspectral imaging. This segmentation allows chromophore concentration determination using separate images at specific wavelengths, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement precision through targeted spectral sampling at chromophore absorption peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of capturing the full hyperspectral range for every pixel, the system uses a limited set of strategically selected wavelength ranges that are sufficient for determining concentrations of key chromophores (hemoglobin, oxygenated hemoglobin, fat, water). This partial action approach achieves the necessary measurement precision without the excessive hardware complexity of complete hyperspectral imaging systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength ranges are used to determine chromophore concentrations, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential wavelength information needed for chromophore concentration determination by selecting specific discrete wavelength ranges corresponding to chromophore absorption characteristics. This extraction approach retrieves the critical spectral data for accurate measurement while eliminating unnecessary bandwidth requirements associated with full hyperspectral data transmission.
3Device complexity
If discrete wavelength ranges are used instead of continuous spectrum, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by selecting wavelength ranges that are specifically optimized for detecting particular chromophores (e.g., wavelengths corresponding to hemoglobin absorption peaks). Each wavelength range is tailored to the local spectral characteristics of specific chromophores, ensuring high measurement precision at these critical spectral points while using simpler discrete imaging hardware instead of continuous hyperspectral systems.
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 accurate estimation of chromophore concentrations for enhanced surgical scene visualization, foreign body detection, and tissue type differentiation using less complex hardware and bandwidth, improving safety and efficiency in minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
each image in the plurality of images being obtained under illumination by electromagnetic radiation in a corresponding wavelength range. The corresponding wavelength ranges are selected in accordance with a set of chromophores present in the surgical scene
Data Source
AI summary
Technology described herein can be embodied in a method that includes obtaining, using an imaging device, a plurality of images of a surgical scene, each image in the plurality of images being obtained under illumination by electromagnetic radiation in one of a plurality of wavelength ranges. The plurality of wavelength ranges are at least partially non-overlapping. The method also includes identifying a set of pixel values across multiple images in the plurality of images, wherein each pixel value in the set of pixel values is substantially representative of a particular portion of the surgical scene and determining, based on the set of pixel values and a chromophore model, a concentration of a chromophore in the particular portion of the surgical scene, wherein the chromophore model represents relationships between combinations of pixel values and chromophore concentrations.