Near-Infrared Fluorescent Stain for ILM Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for removing the thin, transparent Inner Limiting Membrane (ILM) during ophthalmic procedures face challenges due to its difficulty in visualization using conventional microscope and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, as it is not resolvable through standard methods.
Innovation Solution
Applying a near-infrared fluorescent stain to the ILM, which produces fluorescent light within the near-infrared range, allowing for improved visualization using both OCT and microscope imaging systems sensitive to this spectrum, enabling better resolution and visualization during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microscope and OCT imaging are used to visualize the ILM, then the imaging system remains simple and easy to operate, but the ILM cannot be resolved or visualized clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (fluorescent stain) that binds to the ILM and converts invisible tissue into visible fluorescent signal. The stain acts as a mediator between the ILM and the imaging system, enabling detection without fundamentally changing the imaging hardware. This resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision through chemical enhancement rather than complex system modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescent color changes to make the invisible ILM visible. By applying a stain that fluoresces in the near-infrared range, the ILM transitions from being optically invisible to emitting detectable light signals. This color/light emission change enables clear visualization while maintaining compatibility with existing OCT and microscope imaging systems.
2Measurement precision
If a fluorescent stain is applied to the ILM to improve visualization, then the ILM becomes clearly visible in near-infrared range, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent stain is applied to the ILM before the surgical removal procedure begins. This preliminary staining action ensures that the ILM is already visualized and marked for identification before the actual peeling and removal steps are performed. By performing the visualization enhancement in advance, the subsequent surgical steps can proceed more efficiently without additional complexity during the critical removal phase.
3Reliability
If multiple scraping and grasping attempts are made to remove the ILM, then the surgeon can attempt to gain control of the membrane, but the surgical time increases and risk of retinal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent staining provides continuous visual feedback during the surgical procedure, allowing the surgeon to see the ILM's location, integrity, and response to manipulation in real-time. This visual information reduces the need for multiple trial scraping and grasping attempts, as the surgeon can immediately assess whether the ILM is properly engaged and being removed correctly, thereby reducing surgical time and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent imaging system provides real-time feedback during ILM removal by continuously displaying the ILM's position and status. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to adjust technique immediately based on visual information, preventing failed attempts and potential retinal damage. The feedback mechanism transforms the surgical process from trial-and-error to a more controlled, information-guided procedure.
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
Enhances the ability to perform precise surgical procedures by providing clearer, cross-sectional images of the ILM, aiding in accurate tissue removal and reducing the risk of accidental damage to underlying retina, thus improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
causing the stain to produce fluorescent light having a wavelength within a near-infrared range
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for imaging tissue are described. Particularly, systems and methods of imaging an inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex of a patient's eye are disclosed. Imaging an inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex may include applying a stain to the inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex of the patient's eye, causing the stain to produce fluorescent light having a wavelength within a near-infrared range, capturing the fluorescent light, and producing an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image of the inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex with an OCT imaging system that is configured to detect light within the near-infrared range.