OCT-NIRAF Probe Angle Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimodality imaging systems, such as those combining OCT and NIRAF, face challenges in accurately calibrating NIRAF signals due to the angle between the optical axis of the excitation light and the sample surface, which affects the accuracy of imaging and diagnosis, especially in bodily lumens like coronary arteries.
Innovation Solution
A multimodality system that includes a catheter with optical channels to transmit radiation of different wavelengths, a detector to measure NIRAF intensity as a function of the angle between the optical axis and the sample surface, and a processor to calculate this angle and adjust the detected intensity using a calibration factor, thereby improving signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional OCT imaging is used, then structural visualization is achieved, but chemical and molecular composition cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines OCT and NIRAF imaging modalities into a single catheter system. The OCT component provides structural visualization while the NIRAF component detects chemical and molecular composition. By merging these two imaging techniques, the system simultaneously obtains both structural and chemical information, resolving the contradiction between structural imaging capability and chemical analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging catheter is designed with multi-functionality to perform both OCT imaging and NIRAF spectroscopy. The catheter includes separate optical channels and detection systems that can independently or simultaneously acquire structural and chemical data, making a single device capable of addressing multiple imaging requirements that previously required separate systems.
2Measurement precision
If NIRAF signal detection is performed without angle calibration, then detection simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates angle calibration feedback into the NIRAF signal detection process. The calibration factor, which depends on the angle between the optical axis and sample surface, is continuously applied to correct the detected signal intensity. This feedback mechanism compensates for angular variations and maintains measurement precision without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the calibration factor based on angular parameters. Instead of using a fixed calibration, the system dynamically modifies the calibration factor according to the measured angle between the optical axis and the sample surface. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across different imaging angles while using a relatively simple calibration approach.
3Reliability
If multimodality imaging is implemented, then diagnostic capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges OCT and NIRAF imaging capabilities into a single integrated catheter system. By combining these two modalities in one device, the system improves diagnostic accuracy through complementary information while avoiding the complexity of operating and coordinating separate imaging systems. The integrated design allows simultaneous acquisition of structural and chemical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging catheter is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions - both OCT imaging and NIRAF spectroscopy - within a single platform. This multi-functionality approach improves diagnostic capability by providing comprehensive imaging options while reducing the overall system complexity compared to using separate dedicated devices for each modality.
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 system enhances the accuracy of NIRAF signal detection by accounting for the angle, distance, and tissue composition, leading to improved imaging and diagnosis capabilities in bodily lumens.
Implementation Method 1
The catheter includes one or more optical channels configured to transmit therethrough radiation of at least three different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
the sample emits in response to the sample being irradiated with the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodality system includes first and second modalities, a catheter, and a processor. The catheter collects fluorescent light from a plurality of locations of a sample which has been irradiated with excitation light of the second modality; a detector detects intensity of the fluorescent light received from the plurality of locations as a function of an angle α formed between the normal to the sample surface and the optical axis of the excitation light. A processor calculates the angle α at each of the plurality of locations based on radiation of the first modality incident on the sample, and corrects the intensity of the detected fluorescent light using a calibration factor g(α). The calibration factor g(α) is a function of the angle α calculated at two or more of the plurality of locations. The angle α is composed of a transversal angle αt and an axial angle αa.