Oscillatory Dark-Field Imaging for Lung Disease Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry and Forced Oscillatory Technique (FOT), have limited spatial and temporal resolution, making it difficult to accurately determine the location and cause of reduced lung function in diseases like COPD and asthma.
Innovation Solution
A device combining Forced Oscillatory Technique (FOT) with dark field x-ray imaging to generate respiratory mechanics data and image data of the alveoli, allowing for precise localization of problem areas in the lung by modulating oscillatory and image acquisition frequencies to match alveolic states, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spirometry is used to measure lung volume and airflow, then integrated respiratory information can be obtained, but spatial resolution is lost and accuracy depends on subject cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines FOT (Forced Oscillatory Technique) which provides integrated respiratory mechanics data with dark-field X-ray imaging which provides spatially resolved structural information. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both global lung function parameters and localized anatomical details, resolving the contradiction between integrated measurement and spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dark-field X-ray imaging as an intermediary to bridge the gap between integrated FOT measurements and localized lung pathology. The imaging modality provides visual feedback that correlates with FOT parameters, enabling spatial localization of functional deficits without requiring direct spatially-resolved functional measurement.
2Ease of operation
If FOT is used to eliminate subject dependency, then respiratory mechanics can be measured during spontaneous breathing, but spatial resolution remains very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges FOT (which eliminates subject dependency by measuring during spontaneous breathing) with dark-field X-ray imaging (which provides spatial resolution). This combination maintains the ease of operation of FOT while adding the spatial resolution capability of imaging to locate specific problem areas within the lung.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the FOT measurements by incorporating X-ray imaging. While FOT provides temporal and functional information during spontaneous breathing, the imaging dimension adds spatial localization, allowing identification of specific lung regions with pathology.
3Measurement precision
If oscillatory frequency is increased to improve temporal resolution, then alveolic response can be better captured, but image acquisition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillatory pressure applied to the subject's airways at controlled frequencies. This periodic action drives rhythmic alveolar expansion and contraction, creating time-varying structural changes that can be captured by synchronized X-ray imaging. The periodic nature simplifies the analysis by creating repeatable patterns that can be averaged and compared across cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by monitoring the subject's respiratory mechanics in real-time during the oscillatory challenge and adjusting the imaging acquisition timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows synchronization of image acquisition with specific phases of the oscillatory cycle, improving temporal resolution without requiring excessively high imaging frame rates that would increase complexity.
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 combination provides improved spatial resolution and localized information, enabling precise diagnosis of lung diseases by correlating respiratory mechanics with alveolic health, allowing for better identification of healthy and diseased areas within the lung.
Implementation Method 1
low-amplitude low-frequency pressure oscillations are produced during spontaneous breathing
Implementation Method 2
Due to the elastic properties of the lung tissue the air oscillations lead to an induced and controlled inflation and deflation of the alveoli
Implementation Method 3
dark field x-ray imaging is a relatively new technique that relies on the scattering of x-rays
Implementation Method 4
a technique using the Venturi effect in which air flow is led through an air path narrowing structure 15
Data Source
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AI summary
A forced oscillation technique and dark field imaging technique is disclosed, wherein respiratory mechanics data and dark field image data are synergistically combined to obtain pulmonary function data with increased spatial resolution and increased diagnostic information, particularly increased localization and severity data.