Polarization-Sensitive OCT for Brain Shift Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided medical procedures for tumor resection in the brain face challenges due to outdated MRI images that do not reflect real-time brain dynamics, leading to potential trauma and risk during surgery, as they are static and require costly, time-consuming setups.
Innovation Solution
Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) imaging is used to generate real-time, intraoperative images of brain tissue, providing a spatial map of anisotropic structures to identify suitable surgical locations and trajectories, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissue and optimizing surgical planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI is used to generate tractography information, then anatomical structure information is obtained, but the images are outdated and static which misguides the surgeon during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-operative MRI imaging to dynamic real-time intraoperative optical imaging. The optical imaging system continuously captures and updates anatomical information during surgery, allowing the surgical plan to adapt to actual brain dynamics and tissue displacement as they occur during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously acquiring intraoperative optical images and comparing them with the pre-operative MRI tractography data. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to adjust the surgical trajectory based on actual tissue conditions observed during surgery, correcting for brain shift and other dynamic changes.
2Reliability
If intraoperative real-time MRI is used, then real-time imaging is achieved, but patient's head must be fixed inside MR imaging head coil which delays and extends surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the complex mechanical MRI imaging system with a compact optical imaging system that can be easily integrated into the surgical setup. The optical system uses light-based imaging techniques rather than magnetic fields, allowing for rapid image acquisition without requiring specialized MRI equipment or head coil fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system serves multiple functions: it provides real-time anatomical imaging, tracks tissue displacement, guides surgical trajectory, and validates tumor resection completeness. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate imaging equipment and procedures, streamlining the surgical workflow.
3Measurement precision
If MRI is used for tractography, then anatomical information is obtained, but it introduces significant cost to the operating room setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs cost-effective optical imaging components and disposable optical probes rather than expensive MRI equipment. The optical imaging system uses standard optical components and can be implemented with relatively simple, affordable hardware compared to the sophisticated MRI infrastructure required for intraoperative imaging.
4Measurement precision
If MRI is used for tractography, then anatomical structure is visualized, but the sophisticated setup delays surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optical imaging and tractography analysis during the planning phase before surgery, creating a baseline surgical plan. During the actual surgery, the system rapidly acquires updated images and makes real-time adjustments without requiring time-consuming setup procedures, thereby maintaining high surgical efficiency.
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
PS-OCT enables real-time, cost-effective imaging that reduces trauma to brain tissue by providing accurate, dynamic maps of anisotropic structures, enhancing surgical precision and safety during tumor resection procedures.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining one or more polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography images of a tissue region
Implementation Method 2
polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography images
Implementation Method 3
processing the one or more polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography images to generate local volumetric image data, the local volumetric image data providing a spatial map of anisotropic structure within the tissue region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for identifying a suitable surgical location and/or trajectory for proceeding with a surgical procedure based on local polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography imaging (PS-OCT). PS-OCT images are obtained of a tissue region and are processed to provide a spatial map of anisotropic structure within the tissue region. The anisotropic structure is processed to determine one or more suitable surgical locations and/or trajectories for avoiding or reducing damage to local anisotropic tissue structure identified within the tissue region. The spatial map of the anisotropic structure is registered with pre-operative volumetric image data identifying anisotropic tissue structure within a second tissue region that is larger than the tissue region imaged by PS-OCT.