Dual-Modality RCM-OCT Imaging Probe for Tissue Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies, such as Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), face limitations in providing a comprehensive view of tissue morphology and functionality, especially in diagnosing skin and oral cancers, as they struggle with depth assessment and resolution, particularly in visualizing the dermo-epidermal junction and assessing tissue viability and therapy outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-modality apparatus combining RCM and OCT imaging modalities, using a single probe with optical components that share imaging paths, allowing for real-time, co-registered, and complementary imaging of biological tissue, providing both morphological and structural data, including birefringence and blood perfusion, at different wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RCM is used to achieve high resolution imaging of cellular details, then imaging resolution is improved, but imaging depth is limited due to increasing aberrations and scattering at higher depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RCM and OCT into a single dual-modality imaging system that shares common optical components (objective lens, scanning mirrors, beam path). This merging allows the system to simultaneously acquire both high-resolution cellular images (RCM) and deep tissue structural images (OCT) from the same probe and location, resolving the contradiction between resolution and depth by integrating both modalities in one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging probe is designed with multi-functionality to perform both RCM and OCT imaging modes. The single probe contains optical components that can operate in both modalities, allowing clinicians to switch between high-resolution surface imaging and deep tissue imaging without changing equipment, thus addressing the resolution-depth tradeoff through a universal imaging tool.
2Length of stationary object
If OCT is used to achieve deep tissue imaging to visualize epidermal and dermal layers, then imaging depth is improved, but resolution is insufficient to resolve sub-cellular details
Solution Approach 1:
By merging RCM and OCT in a single integrated system with shared optical path and probe, the patent enables simultaneous acquisition of deep tissue structural information (OCT) and high-resolution cellular details (RCM). The co-registered imaging allows correlation between deep tissue morphology and surface cellular features, resolving the depth-resolution contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of information by combining two different imaging modalities that operate at different depth-resolution regimes. OCT provides the deep tissue structural context while RCM adds the high-resolution cellular dimension, creating a multi-dimensional view of tissue that neither modality could provide alone.
3Loss of information
If separate RCM and OCT systems are used to achieve comprehensive tissue assessment, then imaging completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RCM and OCT systems into a single integrated platform that shares common optical components including the objective lens, scanning mirrors, beam splitters, and detection pathways. This consolidation reduces device complexity compared to using separate systems while maintaining comprehensive imaging capabilities through the dual-modality approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging probe is designed as a universal device that can perform both RCM and OCT imaging functions. This multi-functional probe eliminates the need for multiple separate probes and systems, reducing operational complexity while providing complete tissue assessment through both imaging modalities from a single device.
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
Enables reliable, noninvasive, three-dimensional assessment of tissue viability and enhanced diagnosis of skin and oral tissue conditions, improving the evaluation of cancer depth and burn injury, while optimizing imaging depth and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) is an imaging method that can show nuclear and cellular details of the biological tissue
Implementation Method 2
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method that can provide cross-sectional images that show tissue morphology in depth
Implementation Method 3
The first optical component reflects, using a first surface of the first optical component, a first beam of light provided by the RCM source toward a sample
Implementation Method 4
The first optical component also passes a second beam of light provided by the OCT source through a second surface of the first optical component toward a sample
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-modality apparatus for imaging of biological tissue includes a reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging apparatus and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging apparatus. A first optical component reflects a first beam of light provided by a RCM imaging apparatus towards a sample and passes a second beam of light provided by an OCT imaging apparatus towards the sample, such that the first and second beam of lights share at least a portion of an imaging path.