Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy for Middle Ear Vibration Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring vibrations in the middle ear require invasive surgery, posing risks and limiting diagnostic accuracy for hearing impairments.
Innovation Solution
Spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) uses different electromagnetic radiation wavelengths to encode spatial information, enabling non-invasive measurement of bone vibrations by encoding depth and distance through interferometry, allowing for high-speed spectral measurements of sound-induced motion without scanning, using a probe inserted through a small incision in the tympanic membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical exposure of the middle ear is used to measure vibrations, then measurement access is achieved, but patient risk and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (microbubble contrast agent) that mediates between the ultrasound probe and the middle ear structures. The microbubbles accumulate in the middle ear space and serve as acoustic contrast agents, enabling vibration measurement without direct surgical exposure. This intermediary allows the ultrasound waves to interact with the middle ear bones indirectly, achieving measurement capability while avoiding the harmful effects of invasive surgery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional endoscopic methods are used, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but vibration measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate approaches: endoscopic minimally invasive access and vibration measurement capability. By combining the endoscopic probe with ultrasound transmission and microbubble contrast enhancement, the system achieves both minimally invasive access and precise vibration measurement capability that neither method could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the measurement system by introducing microbubble contrast agents that alter the acoustic properties of the middle ear space. These parameter changes enable the ultrasound waves to effectively interact with the middle ear bones, providing vibration measurement capability through a minimally invasive endoscopic approach rather than traditional surgical exposure.
3Measurement precision
If high-speed spectral measurement is implemented, then vibration detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a stationary probe that uses spectral analysis of reflected light to measure vibrations. Instead of mechanically moving components to achieve vibration detection, the system uses optical interferometry and high-speed spectral measurement to detect vibrations, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement accuracy.
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 accurate, minimally invasive imaging and vibration mapping of middle ear ossicles, facilitating improved diagnosis and treatment monitoring with high-resolution, real-time vibration analysis.
Implementation Method 1
Using interferometery, SEE can use the phase of the reflected light to encode depth, and distance
Implementation Method 2
Spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) is a technique that can use wavelength to encode spatial information on a sample
Implementation Method 3
By using a high speed spectral measurement at rates, e.g., higher than the auditory frequency, SEE can measure small spectral phase differences that are associated with sound vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method according to an exemplary embodiment of to the present invention can provide imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least two first different wavelengths of at least one first electro-magnetic radiation within a first wavelength range may be provided on the portion of the sample so as to determine at least one first transverse location of the portion. At least two second different wavelengths of at least one second electro-magnetic radiation may also be provided within a second wavelength range provided on the portion so as to determine at least one second transverse location of the portion. It is possible to obtain a relative phase between at least one third electro-magnetic radiation electro-magnetic radiation being returned from the sample and at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation returned from a reference to determine a motion of the portion or of particles within or on the portion, whereas the motion is effectuated by at least one of a sound wave. Further, the imaging information of the portion can be provided based on the first transverse location, the second transverse location and the motion.