Shear Wave Elastography for Retinal Disease Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are inadequate for early detection, as they rely on structural and vascular abnormalities that may not be evident in the early stages, and existing elasticity imaging techniques are not suitable for in-vivo imaging of the posterior eye due to accessibility and sensitivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A confocal shear wave acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography (SW-ARF-OCE) system with co-aligned ultrasound and OCT transducers allows for non-invasive, in-vivo imaging of retinal elasticity, using a 3-D automatic segmentation algorithm to isolate and analyze the mechanical properties of retinal layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional structural imaging methods (OCT, fundus photography) are used for retinal disease diagnosis, then anatomical structure can be visualized, but early-stage disease detection is difficult because structural changes are not yet evident
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using ultrasound waves as a mediator to probe retinal mechanical properties. The ultrasound wave propagates through the retina and interacts with tissue mechanical properties, allowing indirect measurement of elasticity without requiring direct visualization of structural changes. This intermediary method enables detection of mechanical property changes that precede structural abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional optical imaging systems with a mechanical wave-based system. Instead of using light to directly image retinal structure, the system uses acoustic waves to probe and measure mechanical properties (elasticity, stiffness) of retinal tissues. This substitution allows detection of functional mechanical changes that occur before structural changes become visible through conventional optical methods.
2Measurement precision
If elasticity imaging methods are used to detect mechanical property changes, then early disease detection is enabled, but accessibility to the posterior eye and imaging sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that combines ultrasound transducer capabilities with OCT imaging capabilities into a single integrated device. The ultrasound transducer serves dual purposes: generating acoustic waves for elasticity measurement and focusing them at the retinal location. The OCT system provides complementary structural imaging. This universal system enables both mechanical property measurement and structural imaging through a single accessible interface, solving the accessibility problem for posterior eye imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the vitreous humor as an intermediary medium that allows ultrasound waves to propagate effectively to the retina. The vitreous humor serves as an acoustic coupling medium that facilitates transmission of ultrasound energy from the anterior eye interface to the posterior retina, enabling non-invasive access to retinal mechanical properties without requiring direct contact or surgical intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive imaging is used for retinal elasticity measurement, then patient safety is improved, but imaging resolution and sensitivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retinal tissue into distinct layers (nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, photoreceptor layer, retinal pigment epithelium) and measures elasticity properties for each layer separately. This segmentation approach enables high-resolution layer-specific mechanical property measurement while maintaining non-invasive imaging, as the ultrasound and OCT systems can resolve and differentiate between adjacent retinal layers without requiring invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges ultrasound-based elasticity measurement with OCT-based structural imaging into a single integrated system. The co-aligned ultrasound transducer and OCT system work together to provide both mechanical property data and structural data with high resolution. This merging allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for retinal elasticity while maintaining non-invasive operation, as the combined system leverages the complementary strengths of both imaging modalities.
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 early detection and quantification of retinal diseases by providing high-resolution, non-invasive elasticity mapping of the retina, demonstrating the first in-vivo elasticity mapping of the retina and overcoming previous limitations in accessibility and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
pulsing the ultrasound transducer to generate a shear wave displacement
Implementation Method 2
receiving OCT signals from multiple locations along the retinal layers
Data Source
AI summary
Retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population. Since no known cures are currently present, it is crucial to diagnose the condition in its early stages so that disease progression is monitored. Systems and methods for detecting and mapping the mechanical elasticity of retinal layers in the posterior eye are disclosed herein. A system including confocal shear wave acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography (SW-ARF-OCE) is provided, wherein an ultrasound transducer and an optical scan head are co-aligned to facilitate in-vivo study of the retina. In addition, an automatic segmentation algorithm is used to isolate tissue layers and analyze the shear wave propagation within the retinal tissue to estimate mechanical stress on the retina and detect early stages of retinal diseases based on the estimated mechanical stress.