Stereo-Volumetric OCT Visualization for Intraoperative Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional imaging modalities require surgeons to mentally construct three-dimensional models, and segmentation of three-dimensional data is complex, especially in ophthalmic surgeries where abnormal anatomy is often encountered.
Innovation Solution
A visualization system integrating a stereo-volumetric OCT module and stereoscopic camera, which acquires and synchronously processes left and right data to generate volume-rendered images with matching parallax, aligned in perspective, orientation, and scaling, and displays these images adjacently with transparency-based channels and variable gamma factors to enhance depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional OCT images are used for imaging, then the imaging modality is simple and widely available, but the surgeon must mentally construct three-dimensional models leading to visualization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional OCT imaging to three-dimensional volumetric rendering by acquiring OCT data from multiple angles and synthesizing volume-rendered images. This dimensional transformation provides true 3D visualization of anatomical structures, eliminating the need for mental reconstruction while maintaining the advantages of OCT technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple imaging modalities (OCT from different angles, stereoscopic camera data) into a unified volume-rendered visualization. By merging these data sources, the system creates comprehensive 3D representations that preserve structural detail while providing intuitive spatial understanding.
2Ease of operation
If three-dimensional data segmentation is performed to create 2D representations, then the visualization can be displayed on standard displays, but segmentation errors occur and anatomical understanding is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of segmenting 3D data to create 2D representations, the system inverts the approach by rendering volume images that present 3D anatomical structures in a visually intuitive format. This allows direct visualization of spatial relationships without the intermediate segmentation step that causes errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume rendering technique uses color and transparency variations to encode different anatomical structures and depth information. This allows multiple structures to be visualized simultaneously with distinct visual properties, maintaining anatomical accuracy while providing comprehensive visualization on standard displays.
3Measurement precision
If stereoscopic imaging is added to OCT to provide 3D visualization, then depth perception is improved, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single OCT light source to acquire data from multiple angles, serving both left and right volumetric data acquisition functions. This multi-functional approach provides stereoscopic 3D visualization capabilities while sharing hardware resources, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates volumetric copies of the target site from different angles (left and right views) using the same OCT hardware. These volumetric copies are then rendered with matching parallax to simulate natural stereoscopic vision, providing depth perception without requiring physically separate imaging systems.
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
The system provides accurate, real-time, three-dimensional visualization during surgery, minimizing segmentation errors and projection artifacts, enabling intuitive understanding of complex anatomical structures without flattening or segmentation.
Implementation Method 1
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module...acquire left OCT data and right OCT data of the target site, via the OCT module
Implementation Method 2
A stereoscopic camera...synchronously acquire left camera data and right camera data of the target site...first and second camera images respectively based on the left camera data and the right camera data. The first and second OCT images and the first and second camera images have matching parallax.
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization system includes a housing assembly having a head unit configured to be at least partially directed towards a target site. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module and a stereoscopic camera are located in the housing assembly. A controller is in communication with the OCT module and the stereoscopic camera. The controller is adapted to acquire left OCT data and right OCT data of the target site, via the OCT module, and synchronously acquire left camera data and right camera data of the target site, via the stereoscopic camera. The controller is adapted to generate volume-rendered images, including: first and second OCT images based on the OCT data and first and second camera images based on the camera data. The first and second OCT images and the first and second camera images have matching parallax.