Structured Light Surgical Visualization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical imaging systems often fail to recognize and convey critical anatomical structures, dimensions, and movements intraoperatively, leading to uncertain decision-making and potential damage to vital structures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical visualization system utilizing structured light and spectral imaging to generate three-dimensional digital representations, overlay metadata, and update visualizations in real-time based on situational awareness, enabling precise identification and avoidance of critical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of anatomical structures and dimensions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple functional modules: a first imaging device for capturing initial anatomical images, a second imaging device for capturing additional perspective images, and a processor that segments the analysis into separate steps (creating 3D models, registering with preoperative images, overlaying metadata). This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific tasks, improving overall measurement precision without requiring every component to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional images captured by conventional cameras to three-dimensional volumetric data through stereo imaging and 3D model generation. By adding the spatial dimension, the system can accurately measure and represent anatomical structures that are concealed or difficult to assess in 2D, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through structured 3D processing pipelines.
2Loss of information
If conventional imaging systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information about concealed structures and dimensions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images from different perspectives before final 3D model generation and registration. The first and second imaging devices capture preparatory data that is later processed to create comprehensive 3D representations, ensuring that information about concealed structures is preserved and reconstructed accurately before the actual surgical decision-making process.
Solution Approach 2:
A processor acts as an intermediary between the imaging devices and the surgical planning system. It mediates by generating intermediate 3D models, registering them with preoperative images, and creating overlay visualizations that combine multiple data sources. This intermediary processing layer reconciles the raw imaging data with surgical requirements, preventing information loss while managing system complexity through centralized processing.
3Reliability
If real-time 3D visualization with metadata overlay is implemented, then the surgical precision and situational awareness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions within a single integrated system: capturing images, generating 3D models, registering with preoperative data, overlaying metadata, and providing real-time visualization. By making the processing system universal and multi-functional, the patent improves reliability through comprehensive data integration without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as one processor handles all these tasks rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the visualization system provides real-time information about anatomical structures and surgical progress back to the surgical team. The processor continuously updates 3D models and overlays metadata based on new imaging data, creating a feedback mechanism that improves surgical decision-making reliability by ensuring the surgical team always has the most current and accurate information available.
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 providing real-time, three-dimensional visualization and metadata updates, allowing clinicians to confidently navigate around critical structures, reducing the risk of damage and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the plurality of light sources is configured to emit a pattern of structured light onto an anatomical structure
Implementation Method 2
The image capture system of the targeting system may capture images of the reflections of structured light patterns that are reflected from the patient's face
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A visualization system including multiple light sources, an image sensor configured to detect imaging data from the multiple light sources, and a control circuit is disclosed. At least one of the light sources is configured to emit a pattern of structured light. The control circuit is configured to receive the imaging data from the image sensor, generate a three-dimensional digital representation of the anatomical structure from the pattern of structured light detected by the imaging data, obtain metadata from the imaging data, overlay the metadata on the three-dimensional digital representation, receive updated imaging data from the image sensor, and generate an updated three-dimensional digital representation of the anatomical structure based on the updated imaging data. The visualization system can be communicatively coupled to a situational awareness module configured to determine a surgical scenario based on input signals from multiple surgical devices.