Non-Contact NIR Scanner for Peripheral Vascular Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peripheral vascular imaging techniques are limited by their inability to provide both spatial and temporal mapping of microcirculatory changes across wide areas, are time-consuming, and exhibit high intra-operator variability, with existing methods like TCOM being invasive and subjective, while NIRS devices are limited to point measurements and inconsistent across patients.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact, continuous wave near-infrared optical scanner (NIROS) using multi-wavelength NIR light and an NIR-sensitive image sensor, combined with a GUI for automated spatio-temporal diffuse reflected map acquisition, enabling real-time, wide-area tissue oxygenation mapping and perfusion imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TCOM is used to measure tissue oxygenation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases (>20 min per measurement) and spatial coverage is limited to discrete locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by using multiple discrete NIR light wavelengths (e.g., 730nm, 808nm, 850nm) that can simultaneously probe different tissue depths and vascular beds. This allows parallel acquisition of oxygenation data from multiple locations and depths, transforming a sequential discrete-point measurement system into a parallel multi-point system that maintains TCOM-level accuracy while reducing total measurement time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional discrete point measurements to two-dimensional spatial mapping by using NIR light to measure tissue oxygenation at multiple depths (superficial, intermediate, deep vascular beds) simultaneously. This depth dimension allows comprehensive tissue oxygenation assessment without requiring sequential measurements at each location, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision
2Ease of manufacture
If NIRS is used for point location measurements, then device cost is reduced, but spatial coverage is limited and measurement consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple NIRS measurement points into a single integrated imaging system that captures tissue oxygenation across the entire peripheral region simultaneously. By combining multiple NIR light sources at different wavelengths with a single area detector, the system achieves wide-area spatial coverage while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of NIRS technology, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment
3Measurement precision
If multi-wavelength NIR light is used for tissue oxygenation mapping, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of individual LED wavelengths at distinct frequencies (e.g., 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz) to encode each wavelength's signal. This periodic action allows the system to distinguish and separately process signals from different wavelengths using frequency domain analysis, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the detection system through time-division multiplexing rather than requiring complex spatial separation
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 NIROS system provides efficient, non-invasive, and objective imaging of peripheral vascular health, capable of detecting vascular calcification and dynamic tissue oxygenation changes across the entire peripheral region, reducing subjectivity and variability, and enhancing diagnostic utility for conditions like chronic kidney disease.
Implementation Method 1
A continuous wave, non-contact, near-infrared optical scanner (NIROS) can utilize at least one near-infrared (NIR) light
Implementation Method 2
The diffuse reflected NIR signal(s) can be obtained from the surface of the tissue of the mammal being imaged
Implementation Method 3
The signal(s) can be optically filtered (e.g., through a long pass filter and/or a band-pass filter)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for performing peripheral vascular imaging are provided. A continuous wave, non-contact, near-infrared optical scanner (NIROS) can utilize at least one near-infrared (NIR) light. The diffuse reflected NIR signal(s) can be obtained from the surface of the tissue of the mammal being imaged. The signal(s) can be optically filtered and can be detected by an NIR-sensitive image sensor. A graphical user interface (GUI) can be used to automate the acquisition of the spatio-temporal diffuse reflected maps from the NIROS device.