Double-Clad Fiber OCT Probe Cladding Mode Blood Clearance Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical optical imaging techniques, such as OCT, face challenges in achieving high-speed real-time image acquisition due to the need for extensive data analysis and processing to detect blood clearance in bodily lumens, leading to delays in initiating and terminating pullback operations.
Innovation Solution
An OCT system using a double-clad fiber to detect light scattered by blood cells near the distal end of the probe, generating a trigger signal based on the intensity of backscattered light to automatically initiate pullback and image recording, eliminating the need for computational processing of diagnostic-quality images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If real-time image processing of acquired OCT images is performed to detect blood clearance, then accurate automated pullback initiation and termination can be achieved, but extensive data analysis requires substantial computing power and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blood clearance detection function from the complex OCT image processing system by using a separate detector to monitor backscattered light intensity from the cladding mode. This allows automated pullback control to be achieved without requiring extensive analysis of diagnostic-quality OCT images, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism using a detector that monitors backscattered light intensity from the cladding mode as an intermediate signal. This intermediary signal serves as a proxy for blood clearance status, enabling automated pullback control without directly processing complex OCT images, thus reducing computing power requirements and processing time.
2Measurement precision
If diagnostic-quality OCT images are processed in real-time to determine blood clearance, then accurate pullback control can be achieved, but the computing power and processing time requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential blood clearance detection function from the complex OCT image processing system by using a separate detector to monitor backscattered light intensity. This extraction allows accurate blood clearance detection without requiring substantial computing power for processing diagnostic-quality images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple intensity measurement approach instead of complex image processing algorithms. This simpler, less computationally intensive method achieves the necessary measurement precision for blood clearance detection without requiring substantial computing power.
3Ease of operation
If manual pullback initiation and termination is used based on real-time image processing, then operator control can be maintained, but the process requires substantial computing power and processing time for accurate image analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blood clearance detection function from manual OCT image processing by using a separate detector to monitor backscattered light intensity. This provides operators with automated assistance for pullback control without requiring them to manually process complex images, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors backscattered light intensity and provides real-time information about blood clearance status. This feedback enables operators to initiate and terminate pullback operations efficiently without requiring substantial computing power for manual image analysis.
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 approach enables high-speed, real-time acquisition of OCT images without processing delays, allowing for immediate detection of blood clearance and initiation of pullback, thereby improving the efficiency of image data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic imaging apparatus uses a cladding mode
Implementation Method 2
light scattered by blood cells near the distal end of the probe
Implementation Method 3
detect light scattered by blood cells near the distal end of the probe
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coherence tomographic (OCT) system includes a sample arm, a reference arm and an OCT probe. The probe irradiates a bodily lumen and a fluid contained within the bodily lumen with light of a sample beam transmitted through a double-clad fiber (DCF). A first detector detects light of a reference beam and light reflected from the bodily lumen and propagated through the core of the DCF to generate OCT interference signals. Light backscattered by the bodily lumen and by the fluid contained in the bodily lumen is propagated through a cladding of the DCF and detected by a second detector to generate an intensity signal. A processor analyzes the intensity signal, and triggers a pullback of the probe and initiates recording of OCT images of the bodily lumen in response to the intensity the backscattered light reaching a predetermined threshold value.