Optical Imaging Probe Detecting Minute Scatterers via Multi-Directional Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical imaging diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in identifying minute blood or thrombi within blood vessels due to light attenuation, making it difficult to distinguish between these scatterers and other attenuating factors in cross-sectional images.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging diagnostic apparatus with a probe that continuously transmits and receives light, allowing for axial movement and rotation to generate multiple cross-sectional images, accompanied by signal-intensity calculations and marker display for identified scatterers, enabling the detection and visualization of minute scatterers within the blood flow area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flashing or occlusion is performed to remove blood from the blood vessel, then the measurement light attenuation is reduced and cross-sectional images can be obtained, but the blood cannot be completely removed and minute blood or thrombi remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis by dividing the cross-sectional image into multiple regions and analyzing signal intensity changes in different directions (radial and circumferential) separately. This allows differentiation between attenuation caused by remaining blood and attenuation caused by minute scatterers, resolving the detection problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by examining signal intensity changes not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction. This multi-dimensional approach enables distinction between blood-induced attenuation and scatterer-induced attenuation, improving detection accuracy.
2Loss of information
If conventional cross-sectional imaging is used, then the overall blood vessel structure can be visualized, but minute scatterers causing light attenuation cannot be distinguished from other artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal intensity changes detected in different directions are analyzed and used to identify minute scatterers. The system continuously monitors and adjusts its analysis based on the detected patterns, improving detection while maintaining manageable complexity through algorithmic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analysis parameters by examining signal intensity variations in both radial and circumferential directions rather than using a single measurement approach. This parameter change enables differentiation of scatterer types without requiring complex additional hardware.
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 solution allows for the accurate identification and display of minute scatterers on cross-sectional images, improving the ability to distinguish and confirm their presence, even in areas with minimal blood or thrombi, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a measurement light into the blood vessel from the transmitting and receiving unit at the distal end while rotating the imaging core and concurrently, by receiving a reflected light from a biological tissue
Implementation Method 2
a coherent light is produced by making the light-received reflected light and a reference light interfere with each other, and a cross-sectional image of the blood vessel is drawn out based on the coherent light
Implementation Method 3
blood cells are strong scatterers and therefore, when there exist blood cells in the blood vessel, the measurement light attenuates considerably
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical imaging diagnostic apparatus including: a calculation unit for respectively calculating signal-intensity change in the circumferential direction of the circumference of the transmitting and receiving unit and signal-intensity change in the radial direction of a body lumen respectively with respect to a plurality of line data used for generation of a cross-sectional image displayed; a specifying unit for judging, based on the calculated result in the calculation unit, whether or not there exists a scatterer which scatters the light transmitted from the transmitting and receiving unit in an blood flow area of the body lumen and for specifying the position on the displayed cross-sectional image of the scatterer in case of being judged that there exists the scatterer; and a display unit for displaying a marker indicating that the scatterer exists at the specified position on the displayed cross-sectional image.