Portable AI Endoscopic Imaging for Precise Prostate Implant Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures for treating prostate pathologies, such as BPH, face challenges in accurately identifying and optimally placing implants due to subjective anatomical localization, leading to non-optimal results and complications.
Innovation Solution
An imaging unit integrated with an endoscope that utilizes a motion sensor and artificial intelligence classifier to detect and track anatomical features in real-time, providing confidence metrics and motion vectors to guide precise implant placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopic procedures rely on subjective anatomical localization by physicians, then the procedure can be performed with existing equipment, but the accuracy of implant placement deteriorates leading to non-optimal results and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through an imaging unit that displays anatomical features, confidence metrics, and motion vectors. This feedback loop allows the physician to adjust implant placement based on objective visual information rather than subjective estimation, directly improving placement accuracy and procedural outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective method of anatomical localization (physician visual estimation) with an automated imaging and classification system using artificial intelligence. This substitution transforms the measurement process from subjective to objective, significantly improving implant placement precision.
2Measurement precision
If physicians undergo extensive training to master cystoscopic methods and anatomical localization, then treatment accuracy can be improved, but the time and resource investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system performs automated classification and tracking of anatomical features without requiring extensive physician training. The system serves itself by using AI algorithms to identify and track landmarks, reducing the need for prolonged physician education and training programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for extensive physician training (human skill development) with an automated AI-based imaging and classification system. This substitution transfers the localization expertise from the physician's trained eye to an algorithmic system, dramatically reducing the learning curve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple implants are required for large or abnormally shaped prostates, then treatment coverage is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases due to repeated cartridge replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit continuously tracks anatomical features and maintains a consistent coordinate system throughout the procedure. This continuity allows physicians to place multiple implants accurately without losing spatial reference, simplifying the overall procedure despite the increased number of implants required for larger prostates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback showing the current anatomical landscape and previously placed implants. This feedback helps physicians plan and execute multiple implant placements more efficiently by maintaining spatial awareness and reducing the cognitive load associated with repeated cartridge changes and re-orientation.
4Measurement precision
If physicians constantly iterate the process of removing and replacing cartridges to place multiple implants, then optimal implant placement can be attempted, but errors in placement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit provides continuous visual feedback that maintains a consistent reference frame throughout the procedure. This feedback allows physicians to verify implant placement accuracy in real-time and make adjustments, reducing errors despite the iterative nature of multiple cartridge replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or map of the anatomical landscape that persists throughout the procedure. This persistent visual representation serves as a reference that remains valid across multiple cartridge replacements, allowing physicians to maintain placement consistency without re-orienting to the anatomical landscape each time a cartridge is changed.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable endoscopic system comprising an imaging unit for an endoscopic procedure. The imaging unit has an imaging coupler for receiving imaging information from an imaging assembly of an endoscope; a display integrated into a housing of the imaging unit; an image processing unit for processing the received imaging information into images of a time series and to displaying the image in real-time; a motion sensor configured to detect a motion of the housing; and a detection processing unit. The detection processing unit is configured to classify at least one anatomical feature in each image of the time series based on an artificial intelligence classifier; determine a confidence metric of the classification; determine a motion vector based on the detected motion; and display, concurrently with the corresponding image, the classification of the at least one anatomical feature, the determined confidence metric, and the determined motion vector.