Optical Coherence Tomography Probe Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of interstitial tissue faces challenges with scanning linearity and tissue morbidity due to friction and displacement issues when using needle probes, limiting the ability to capture high-fidelity images over large areas without causing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that corrects for nonlinearity in manual scans by using a position sensor to detect incremental movement of an optical probe within a guidance needle, discarding repeated OCT A-lines, and generating an aggregate image from unique A-lines, allowing for low-speed, minimally invasive imaging without high-speed rotational movements, enabling long-distance tissue mapping and co-registered OCT/spectroscopy imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-speed axial or rotary scanning is used to achieve high-resolution OCT imaging, then imaging resolution is improved, but tissue morbidity increases due to tissue catching and dislocation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the probe at high speed to capture images, the patent inverts the approach by using a stationary or slowly moving probe that captures images at low speed, then uses computational algorithms to reconstruct high-resolution images from these low-speed captures, avoiding tissue damage while achieving high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-speed scanning system with a computational image processing system. Instead of relying on mechanical precision and high-speed movement, it uses algorithms to correct for scan nonlinearity and reconstruct images, substituting mechanical complexity with computational complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual scanning is used to minimize tissue disruption, then tissue morbidity is reduced, but scan linearity deteriorates causing inaccurate imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the actual probe position and movement during manual scanning, then uses this feedback information to correct for nonlinearity in the reconstructed images, allowing manual scanning to maintain both low tissue morbidity and high imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for image reconstruction by applying computational corrections that account for manual scan nonlinearity. By transforming the raw data using algorithms that compensate for position errors, it maintains image accuracy despite manual scanning imperfections
3Measurement precision
If computational algorithms are used to correct OCT image distortion, then imaging accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases making real-time correction impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial correction by focusing computational efforts on the most significant sources of distortion rather than attempting complete correction of all imperfections. This selective approach reduces computational complexity while maintaining sufficient imaging accuracy for clinical use
4Object-affected harmful factors
If protective tube is placed over imaging probe to reduce tissue friction, then tissue morbidity is reduced, but probe diameter increases preventing passage through small biopsy needles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable coating on the probe surface that provides low-friction properties during the procedure. This thin protective layer reduces tissue friction without significantly increasing probe diameter, and is discarded after use, avoiding the need for a permanent protective tube
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
Enables high-resolution, minimally invasive OCT imaging with reduced tissue disruption, allowing for real-time recording of OCT images over several centimeters, independent of scanning speed, and facilitating repeated procedures, while eliminating the need for high-speed scanning, which is computationally intensive and impractical for real-time correction.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be viewed as an optical analog to ultrasound for capturing micrometer-resolution, three-dimensional images from within optical scattering media (e.g., biological tissue). OCT is an interferometric technique that typically employs near-infrared light.
Implementation Method 2
The combination of reflected light from the sample arm and reference light from the reference arm can yield an interference pattern when the interferometer arms are substantially matched within the coherence length of the light source.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld optical coherence tomography imaging and tissue sampling system and method of imaging and sampling a tissue is disclosed. The method includes inserting a catheter probe into a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle can be attached to a hand-held scanning and sampling device. The biopsy needle is maneuvered to an investigation site. A three-dimensional image of the tissue at the investigation site is captured with the catheter probe.