Surgical Display System for Minimally Invasive Tissue Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgeries face challenges due to poor visibility, limited imaging resolution, and restricted lighting, which hinder the surgeon's ability to accurately visualize and differentiate biological tissues during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical software tools platform that integrates a surgical display system with image stream processing and user interface overlays, enabling real-time image enhancement, measurement, and collaboration tools to improve tissue visualization and surgical precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional medical imaging devices are used in minimally invasive surgeries, then the surgical procedure can be performed with smaller incisions, but the imaging resolution and tissue differentiation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (optical coherence tomography, fluorescence imaging, and conventional endoscopy) into a single integrated catheter system, allowing simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution cross-sectional images, molecular imaging, and real-time video guidance through one small incision point
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs multiple functions including structural imaging, functional imaging, molecular imaging, and real-time navigation within a single device platform, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging devices and enabling comprehensive tissue characterization through one access point
2Ease of operation
If conventional endoscopic imaging is used, then the surgical access is simplified, but the ability to differentiate tissue types and detect abnormalities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluorescence imaging that causes specific tissues to emit different colors or intensities of light based on their molecular composition and physiological state, enabling real-time differentiation of healthy versus diseased tissue, tumor margins, and vascular structures without sacrificing ease of endoscopic access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contrast agents and fluorescent markers as intermediaries that bind to specific tissue targets, allowing the imaging system to detect and differentiate tissue types based on their molecular characteristics rather than relying solely on visual inspection of tissue morphology
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are deployed to improve imaging quality, then the imaging capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and surgical invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple imaging modalities and functional components within a single catheter assembly, with OCT and fluorescence imaging modules integrated inside the endoscopic sheath, allowing all imaging functions to be delivered through one unified device rather than requiring multiple separate devices
4Volume of moving object
If conventional imaging resolution is used, then the device size can be kept small for minimally invasive access, but the ability to visualize fine tissue details deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The OCT imaging modality provides cross-sectional tomographic images that add a depth dimension to the visualization, allowing high-resolution imaging of tissue microstructure perpendicular to the long axis of the small catheter, effectively overcoming the resolution limitations imposed by the small device diameter
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 visibility and precision by providing dynamic image processing and collaboration tools, allowing for better tissue differentiation and improved surgical outcomes in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Many imaging devices also include one or more lenses that focus images onto an eyepiece and/or imaging lens
Implementation Method 2
medical imaging devices may be introduced into a subject's body to illuminate and image body cavities, organs or other tissue
Implementation Method 3
use an endoscopic optical sensor to measure both the amount and speed of change in one or more of the spectral components reflected from the surface of tissue or an organ
Data Source
AI summary
Medical software tools platform utilizes a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist those in the operating room, such as a surgeon or surgical team, with a surgery. In particular, an optical sensor located within an endoscopic camera may register the momentary change in the optical characteristics reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit the information to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures and the speed of change may indicate subsurface anomalies.