Retinal Traction Tracking With Stereo Digital Image Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgeries, such as vitrectomy, face challenges in predicting and managing retinal traction due to variations in patient anatomy, surgeon skill, and tool capabilities, leading to potential iatrogenic tearing and eye trauma.
Innovation Solution
An automated imaging-based system using stereo cameras and an electronic control unit (ECU) to quantify retinal traction through digital image correlation, providing real-time alerts and feedback to surgeons via heat maps and alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgeon-imparted tractive forces are applied to the ILM during peeling, then the ILM is separated from the retina providing surgical access, but retinal traction occurs which may cause iatrogenic tearing and eye trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures stereo images of the retina during surgery, performs digital image correlation to measure retinal displacement, and provides real-time feedback about traction magnitude to the surgeon. This allows the surgeon to adjust applied forces to remain within safe thresholds, preventing retinal tearing while maintaining necessary surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical force application with optical measurement and computational analysis. Instead of relying solely on surgeon tactile feedback and experience, the system uses stereo vision and digital image correlation to objectively measure and quantify retinal traction, substituting mechanical intuition with precise optical-mechanical measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated imaging-based quantification of retinal traction is implemented, then surgical precision and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a stereo camera setup that can serve multiple functions: providing surgical visualization and simultaneously capturing images for traction quantification. The same imaging hardware is used for both surgical guidance and scientific measurement, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital image correlation algorithm automatically processes the stereo images to calculate retinal displacement and traction magnitude without requiring manual measurement or additional intervention. The system self-calibrates and self-quantifies the mechanical forces based on image data alone, reducing the need for external measurement devices or complex calibration procedures.
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
Enhances surgical precision by reducing uncertainty and improving outcomes by allowing surgeons to adjust traction forces in real-time, minimizing trauma and ensuring optimal surgical results.
Implementation Method 1
collection and processing of stereo images of the retina
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system for quantifying retinal traction on a retina of a patient eye includes an indicator device, a stereo camera, and an electronic control unit (ECU). The stereo camera collects and outputs stereo image data. The ECU, which is in communication with the indicator device, executes a method by receiving the stereo image data from the stereo camera during an ophthalmic procedure and thereafter assigning tracking points as coinciding pixels within stereo image pairs. The ECU also automatically performs a digital image correlation (DIC) process using the stereo image pairs to ascertain relative motion of the tracking points, and associates relative motion of the tracking points with the retinal traction using a traction map. A numeric traction quotient is generated that is indicative of magnitude of retinal traction. The ECU executes a control action using the indicator device based on the numeric traction quotient.