Relative Mode Optical Coherent Imaging for Perfusion Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Optical Coherent Imaging (OCI) systems primarily operate in Absolute Mode, making it difficult to set thresholds for perfusion assessments across varying body regions and individuals, especially in applications like burn depth assessment, as Absolute Perfusion values differ significantly among individuals and regions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Relative Mode in OCI systems, which allows for intra-individual comparisons by calculating Relative OCI Maps and Values using a Reference OCI Value from a specific body area, enabling the use of Body Mapping Factors to standardize perfusion assessments across different body regions and populations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Absolute Mode is used in OCI systems, then the system can provide perfusion values with arbitrary or standardized units, but it becomes difficult to set thresholds for perfusion assessments across varying body regions and individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter representation from absolute perfusion values to relative perfusion values by calculating ratios between the imaging zone and reference zone. This parameter transformation enables threshold-based assessment across different body regions while maintaining measurement precision through standardized reference comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference zone as an intermediary element that mediates between the imaging zone and the assessment threshold. By comparing the imaging zone to a standardized reference zone, the system enables universal threshold application across different body regions and individuals while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If Absolute Perfusion values are used, then the system provides quantitative data, but the values differ significantly among individuals and regions making standardized thresholds difficult to establish
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms absolute perfusion values into relative perfusion values by calculating the ratio of the imaging zone to reference zone. This parameter change maintains quantitative data for reliability while simplifying threshold setting, as thresholds can be applied universally to relative values regardless of individual or regional variations in absolute perfusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotentiality by normalizing perfusion values across different body regions and individuals through reference zone comparison. This allows standardized thresholds to be applied uniformly, making the system easy to operate while maintaining reliable and reproducible assessments across diverse populations.
3Measurement precision
If Relative Mode is implemented with intra-individual comparisons, then perfusion assessments become more reproducible and clinically relevant, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging area into the imaging zone and reference zone, allowing independent configuration and processing of each region. This segmentation enables relative mode functionality while managing system complexity through modular zone-based architecture, where each zone can be independently defined and processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing the reference zone configuration before performing the actual perfusion measurement in the imaging zone. This preliminary setup of reference parameters simplifies the subsequent measurement process, maintaining measurement precision while reducing operational complexity through pre-configured reference standards.
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 approach improves the reproducibility and clinical relevance of perfusion assessments by normalizing perfusion values, allowing for more accurate comparisons and standardization across different body areas and patient populations, enhancing applications such as burn depth assessment and systemic vascular issue evaluations.
Implementation Method 1
A coherent light source (121), usually a Laser source in the visible or near-infrared wavelength illuminates the area of interest on the subject (100). A light sensor (122) captures the reflected light.
Implementation Method 2
Optical Coherent Imaging is a non-contact imaging modality utilizing, to a large extent, the physical properties and in particular the coherence properties of light
Implementation Method 3
A coherent light source (121), usually a Laser source in the visible or near-infrared wavelength illuminates the area of interest
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
An OCI medical device comprising the following elements: - a coherent light source, - a light sensor, - a first processing unit adapted to calculate OCI Data from the light sensor, - a control unit which allows taking or loading of at least one Reference OCI Value, - a second processing unit adapted to calculate the Intra-Individual Relative Assessment of the OCI Data of an Imaging Zone and the at least one OCI Reference Value, - display means adapted to show at least one Relative OCI Value. The invention also includes different uses and a method for assessing the blood flow of a body region using OCI imaging and comprising an Intra-Individual Relative Assessment between OCI Data of the Imaging Zone and at least one Reference OCI Value.