Optical Fibre Endoscope Tracking via Pulsed Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the location of medical devices, such as endoscopes and enteral tubes, inside scattering media like human tissue are often inaccurate and involve the use of ionizing radiation, which can be harmful and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a medical device with optical fibres or waveguides having light-emitting regions, a pulsed light source, detectors, and a processor that selects signals from received photons to determine the location of each light-emitting region and thus the path of the medical device within the scattering medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray or electromagnetic technologies are used to view a metal end tip, then the location of the endoscope can be determined, but the patient is exposed to unwanted radiation and expensive bulky apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray electromagnetic imaging with optical imaging using visible light. The endoscope contains light-emitting regions that emit visible light, which is detected by external cameras to determine location. This substitutes ionizing radiation with non-ionizing visible light, eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining location determination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-emitting regions as an intermediary between the endoscope structure and the imaging system. These regions emit visible light that can be detected externally, serving as a mediator that enables location tracking without requiring direct X-ray imaging of metal components.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray screening is used to confirm position of the NG tube, then the location can be verified, but the patient is exposed to ionizing radiation and movement to radiology department is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray screening with optical detection using visible light emitted from light-emitting regions on the NG tube. External cameras detect this light to verify tube position, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation and movement to radiology departments, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The NG tube incorporates light-emitting regions that actively emit visible light for self-detection. The tube essentially serves its own imaging function by emitting light that can be detected externally, eliminating the need for separate X-ray imaging equipment and procedures.
3Measurement precision
If pH indicator strips are used to determine NG tube placement, then the position can be assessed, but the method may be confounded by antacids, drugs or test indicator failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pH testing with optical detection using visible light. Light-emitting regions on the NG tube emit light detected by external cameras to determine tube position, eliminating interference from antacids, drugs, or indicator failures that affect pH strip reliability.
4Length of moving object
If narrow optical fibre endoscopes are pushed out of the working channel of bulk endoscope, then the endoscope can reach beyond the reach of conventional system, but the final location becomes difficult to approximate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light-emitting regions as intermediaries that emit visible light detectable by external cameras. This enables precise tracking of the endoscope tip location even when the narrow fibre endoscope extends beyond the bulk endoscope working channel, maintaining location accuracy despite increased reach distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visible light emission from light-emitting regions to indicate endoscope location. The emitted light provides visual information that can be detected by external cameras, enabling precise location determination of the endoscope tip regardless of how far it extends from the bulk endoscope.
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 method allows for precise determination of the medical device's location without exposing patients to radiation, reducing the risk of misplacement and associated complications, and enhancing the safety and accuracy of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical fibre or other waveguide having a plurality of light-emitting regions arranged along at least part of the length of the at least one optical fibre or other waveguide; a pulsed light source configured to transmit pulsed light into a proximal end of the at least one optical fibre or other waveguide, such that the pulsed light is guided along the at least one optical fibre or other waveguide to the light-emitting regions
Implementation Method 2
at least one detector configured to receive photons of the pulsed light that have passed through the scattering medium
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a medical device configured to be positioned at least partially within a scattering medium, the medical device comprising at least one optical fibre or other waveguide having a plurality of light-emitting regions arranged along at least part of the length of the at least one optical fibre or other waveguide; a pulsed light source configured to transmit pulsed light into a proximal end of the at least one optical fibre or other waveguide, such that the pulsed light is guided along the at least one optical fibre or other waveguide to the light-emitting regions and emitted by the light-emitting regions into the scattering medium; at least one detector configured to receive photons of the pulsed light that have passed through the scattering medium; and a processor configured to: select signals corresponding to at least some of the received photons; determine a respective location of each of the light-emitting regions based on the selected signals; and determine a path of at least part of the medical device based on the determined locations.