Optical Adapter for Simultaneous Laser Speckle and Video Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging systems, such as endoscopes, often fail to provide real-time visualization of complex anatomy or critical structures beneath the tissue surface, leading to incomplete or incorrect analysis during surgical procedures, and additional diagnostic tools like fluorescent dye-based angiography are costly, inaccurate, and lack real-time capabilities, causing surgical complications.
Innovation Solution
An optical adapter compatible with medical imaging technologies, featuring a housing with a scope and camera interface, an image sensor, and an optics assembly that splits light signals to allow simultaneous laser speckle and photographic/video imaging, enabling visualization of additional features without dyes and reducing surgical complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If fluorescent dye-based angiography is used to visualize complex anatomy beneath tissue surface, then visualization capability is improved, but cost increases, accuracy is limited, and real-time capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical adapter as an intermediary device between the scope and camera that enables laser speckle imaging capability. This adapter includes a beam splitter that separates light paths to allow simultaneous conventional imaging and laser speckle imaging, providing accurate visualization of complex anatomy beneath tissue surface without using fluorescent dyes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical-based fluorescent dye system with a physics-based laser speckle imaging system. Instead of using fluorescent dyes that require injection and have limited accuracy, the system uses laser light interference patterns (speckle) to visualize blood flow and complex anatomy in real-time with higher accuracy
2Loss of information
If fluorescent dye-based angiography is used, then some complex anatomy visualization is improved, but surgical time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time visualization throughout the surgical procedure using laser speckle imaging. The system provides uninterrupted blood flow and complex anatomy visualization without requiring pauses for dye injection and waiting periods, maintaining continuous surgical workflow and reducing overall surgical time
3Loss of information
If separate imaging tools for endoscopy and angiography are used, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity increases and surgical complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges endoscopy and angiography capabilities into a single integrated system. The optical adapter couples the scope and camera while adding laser speckle imaging functionality, allowing simultaneous conventional imaging and blood flow visualization through one device rather than requiring separate imaging tools
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam splitter for laser speckle imaging, maintains compatibility with conventional scope and camera systems, and enables simultaneous multi-modal imaging. This universal device provides both conventional visual imaging and laser-based blood flow visualization without requiring separate specialized equipment
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 optical adapter enhances visualization of internal structures and functions in real-time, reducing surgical complications and healthcare costs by providing accurate, dye-free imaging, compatible with various scopes and cameras, and allowing for quick and easy setup.
Implementation Method 1
reflect a first portion of the light signals onto one of the image sensor or the camera, while permitting a second portion of the light signals to pass through to the other of the image sensor or the camera
Implementation Method 2
the first set of imaging data comprises laser speckle patterns
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for medical imaging. The system may comprise an optical adapter. The optical adapter may comprise a housing that comprises (1) a first end configured to releasably couple to a scope and (2) a second end configured to releasably couple to a camera. The optical adapter may comprise an image sensor coupled to the housing. The optical adapter may comprise an optics assembly disposed in the housing. The optics assembly may be configured to (1) receive light signals that are reflected from a target site within a subject's body and transmitted through the scope, and (2) reflect a first portion of the light signals onto the image sensor while permitting a second portion of the light signals to pass through to the camera.