Parathyroid Imaging Fusion for Real-Time Identification and Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for thyroid and parathyroid surgeries lack reliable intraoperative methods for identifying and assessing parathyroid glands, leading to prolonged surgeries and risks of accidental removal or damage, which can cause complications such as hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.
Innovation Solution
A combined auto-fluorescence imaging and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system is developed to intraoperatively identify and assess parathyroid gland viability using a near-infrared laser and an imaging head with filters, lenses, and detectors to acquire both auto-fluorescence and LSCI images, processing them to provide real-time speckle contrast images for guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection alone is used to identify parathyroid glands, then the surgical procedure is simple, but the identification reliability is poor leading to prolonged surgery time and risk of accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two distinct imaging modalities (auto-fluorescence imaging and laser speckle contrast imaging) into a single integrated system. The optical pathways, detectors, and processing units are merged to provide both anatomical localization and functional assessment simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: identifying parathyroid glands through auto-fluorescence, assessing viability through LSCI, and providing real-time guidance during surgery. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address multiple surgical needs, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If separate imaging systems are used for parathyroid identification and viability assessment, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges parathyroid identification (via auto-fluorescence imaging) and viability assessment (via LSCI) into a single integrated system with shared optical components and synchronized detection, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging systems and thereby improving surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs both identification and viability assessment simultaneously during surgery rather than sequentially, and provides real-time feedback to guide surgical decisions, thereby improving productivity without increasing the number of systems required
3Measurement precision
If manual visual search is used to locate parathyroid glands, then no additional equipment is needed, but the surgery duration is prolonged and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual search with automated optical imaging systems that use auto-fluorescence and LSCI to precisely locate and characterize parathyroid glands, thereby improving localization precision and reducing the time surgeons spend searching for these small structures
4Reliability
If intraoperative imaging is implemented, then real-time guidance is provided improving surgical precision, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single integrated system that provides comprehensive surgical guidance, reducing the overall complexity compared to using multiple separate imaging devices while maintaining high reliability through multi-modal assessment
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 system enables objective and real-time identification and viability assessment of parathyroid glands, reducing surgical duration and complications by providing clear visual guidance during surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting a beam of light to illuminate a target of interest; and an imaging head positioned over the target of interest for acquiring auto-fluorescence images
Implementation Method 2
laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) images of light from the illuminated target of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A combined auto-fluorescence imaging and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system to enable intra-operative parathyroid identification and viability assessment with the same tool. The system includes a light source for emitting a beam of light to illuminate a target of interest, and an imaging head positioned over the target of interest for individually acquiring auto-fluorescence images and LSCI images of light from the illuminated target of interest responsive to the illumination. Auto-fluorescence imaging helps identify the parathyroid, while LSCI helps assess its viability.