Spectral-Band Fluorescence Imaging for Parathyroid and Vascular Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence imaging systems struggle to simultaneously visualize the autofluorescence of parathyroid glands and the vascular network after the injection of indocyanine green, as the indocyanine green fluorescence masks the parathyroid autofluorescence, leading to increased risk of damaging the vascularization and uncertainty about the functionality of the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence imaging method and device that utilize distinct excitation and detection wavelengths to separate the fluorescence emissions of indocyanine green and parathyroid autofluorescence, employing removable filters and digital processing to generate separate images of the parathyroid glands and vascular network, allowing visualization even after indocyanine green injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If indocyanine green is injected to visualize the vascular network, then fluorescence imaging of vessels is improved, but parathyroid autofluorescence is masked and cannot be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence detection into multiple spectral bands by using a camera with multiple color channels (e.g., blue, green, red channels). Each channel captures a specific wavelength range, allowing separate visualization of indocyanine green fluorescence (infrared channel) and parathyroid autofluorescence (visible light channels) simultaneously without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the imaging system by utilizing the multi-channel spectral response of the camera sensor. Instead of relying on temporal separation or intensity modulation, the solution uses wavelength separation across multiple spectral dimensions to simultaneously capture both fluorescent markers and autofluorescence signals.
2Measurement precision
If waiting time is extended for indocyanine green concentration to decrease, then parathyroid autofluorescence can be visualized, but surgical time is increased and many areas remain marked causing false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into simultaneous spectral segments using multi-channel camera acquisition. This allows real-time separation of indocyanine green signal from autofluorescence signal without requiring temporal separation through waiting periods, thus eliminating the time loss while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital image processing algorithms as an intermediary that processes the multi-channel camera data to separate and enhance the autofluorescence signal while suppressing the indocyanine green fluorescence. This intermediary processing enables immediate visualization without waiting for tracer clearance.
3Ease of operation
If autofluorescence imaging is used alone to locate parathyroid glands, then non-invasive imaging is maintained, but functional information about vascularization and perfusion cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges autofluorescence imaging and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging into a single integrated system. By combining multiple fluorescent markers and using a camera capable of detecting both visible and infrared wavelengths simultaneously, the system provides both anatomical localization (via autofluorescence) and functional vascular information (via indocyanine green) in one procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: locating parathyroid glands via autofluorescence, visualizing vascular networks via indocyanine green fluorescence, and assessing tissue perfusion. This universal system eliminates the need for separate imaging procedures while maintaining ease of operation.
4Illumination intensity
If indocyanine green fluorescence is used to visualize vessels, then vascular network is visualized, but the concentration required masks parathyroid glands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence detection into multiple spectral bands by using a camera with multiple color channels (e.g., blue, green, red channels). Each channel captures a specific wavelength range, allowing separate visualization of indocyanine green fluorescence (infrared channel) and parathyroid autofluorescence (visible light channels) simultaneously without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different detection sensitivities and processing methods to different spatial regions and spectral channels. By optimizing the detection parameters for each wavelength range and using channel-specific processing, the system maintains high reliability for parathyroid identification in visible channels while simultaneously achieving strong vascular contrast in the infrared channel.
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 simultaneous visualization of parathyroid autofluorescence and vascular network without waiting for indocyanine green concentration to decrease, reducing the risk of vascular damage and ensuring functional assessment of parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence imaging consists of injecting a fluorescent marker, which, excited at certain wavelengths by a light source, generates fluorescence radiation
Implementation Method 2
a filter configured to separate the fluorescence radiation into a first spectral band and a second spectral band
Implementation Method 3
a sensor configured to detect the fluorescence radiation and generate an output signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluorescence imaging method and device (I) for surgical applications. Filtering means (10) are used that are configured to be able to generate, from the output signal, at least two images each corresponding to a different filtering operating mode over at least one wavelength range. The respective contribution to the intensity of the output signal obtained at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength, which are distinct from one another, is different with each of these two filtering operating modes. The filtering operating modes are chosen so as to highlight, in an image, the fluorescence emission of one substance relative to the fluorescence emission of another substance that might be present in a region of interest.