NIRAF Calibration Sheath Phantom for OCT Fluorescence Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimodality imaging systems, such as those combining OCT with NIRAF, face challenges in accurately calibrating NIRAF signals due to variability in the catheter's linear response to fluorescence, which affects the accuracy of fluorescence detection in bodily lumens.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluorescent coating on the sheath of the OCT catheter, which serves as a calibration phantom with known fluorescence, allows for the calibration of the NIRAF signal by determining the catheter's linear response, thereby improving the accuracy of fluorescence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multimodality imaging system combines OCT with NIRAF to improve diagnostic capabilities, then the functional and chemical imaging information is enhanced, but the calibration accuracy of NIRAF signals deteriorates due to variability in the catheter's linear response to fluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration phantom is introduced as an intermediary substance with known fluorescence properties. The phantom is positioned within the catheter sheath and contains fluorescent beads or particles that provide a standardized reference signal. This intermediary allows the system to measure and correct for the catheter's variable linear response to fluorescence, thereby calibrating the NIRAF signals without compromising the integration of multiple imaging modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by varying the concentration or distribution of fluorescent beads within the calibration phantom to create multiple reference points. By changing these parameters (bead concentration, spatial distribution), the system can establish a calibration curve that accounts for the catheter's response characteristics across different fluorescence intensities, improving measurement precision while maintaining multimodality capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If the catheter is designed with standard sheath material without fluorescent coating, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the NIRAF calibration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is modified with local quality by incorporating a calibration phantom only in the specific region where NIRAF calibration is needed, rather than coating the entire sheath. The phantom is positioned within the sheath lumen or as a lining element, providing localized fluorescent reference while maintaining the simplicity of the overall sheath structure and manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration phantom acts as an intermediary element that introduces known fluorescence into the system without requiring fundamental changes to the sheath material or manufacturing process. The phantom can be inserted as a separate component or pre-formed within the sheath, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling accurate NIRAF calibration
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
This solution enables precise calibration of NIRAF signals, reducing variability and enhancing the accuracy of fluorescence imaging in multimodality OCT systems, leading to improved diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the sheath has a fluorescent coating on at least a portion of the sheath surface for detection by the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodality system includes first and second modalities, an optical probe, a detector, and a sheath with a known fluorescence phantom, wherein the phantom would be used for calibration of the catheter providing accurate NIRAF values to the user using the sheath phantom to calibrate an optical probe's measured NIRAF signal to the known fluorescence of the phantom.