Surgical Imaging System Integrating Hyperspectral and Structured Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical imaging systems face limitations in recognizing and conveying information due to reduced image quality, which can hinder precise identification of critical anatomical structures during surgical procedures, especially when they are obscured by tissue or hidden from view.
Innovation Solution
A surgical visualization system that combines tissue identification, geometric surface mapping, and distance sensors with advanced imaging devices like hyperspectral cameras and structured light emitters to provide real-time, three-dimensional representations of the surgical site, enabling clinicians to avoid critical structures and perform procedures with enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cameras are used for surgical imaging, then the device complexity is low, but the image quality and information recognition capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (hyperspectral imaging, structured light projection, depth sensing) into a single integrated surgical imaging system. This merging of different technological approaches enables comprehensive tissue characterization and 3D visualization while maintaining a unified device architecture that manages complexity through integration rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical imaging system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it captures hyperspectral data for tissue composition analysis, projects structured light patterns for 3D surface mapping, and acquires depth information. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide comprehensive surgical visualization beyond what conventional cameras can achieve.
2Reliability
If advanced imaging devices like hyperspectral cameras and structured light emitters are used, then image quality and tissue identification capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tissue characterization by projecting structured light patterns and capturing hyperspectral data before the actual surgical intervention. This advance preparation allows the system to pre-identify critical structures and create 3D surface maps, enabling surgeons to make informed decisions before proceeding with tissue manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured light emitter acts as an intermediary that facilitates depth measurement and surface mapping by projecting known light patterns onto tissue surfaces. The hyperspectral camera serves as another intermediary, converting complex spectral data into tissue composition information. These intermediary components enable reliable tissue identification without requiring direct physical contact or invasive procedures.
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging devices are combined for 3D visualization, then the information recognition capability is improved, but the device complexity and system integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities (hyperspectral imaging, structured light projection, depth sensing) into a single integrated surgical imaging system. This merging of different technological approaches enables comprehensive tissue characterization and 3D visualization while managing complexity through unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical imaging system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it captures hyperspectral data for tissue composition analysis, projects structured light patterns for 3D surface mapping, and acquires depth information. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide comprehensive surgical visualization beyond what conventional cameras can achieve.
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 effectively identifies and visualizes critical structures beneath tissue surfaces, enhancing surgical precision by providing integrated, real-time data synthesis and improved image quality, reducing the risk of damaging vital structures during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
structured light emitters to provide real-time, three-dimensional representations of the surgical site
Implementation Method 2
advanced imaging devices like hyperspectral cameras
Implementation Method 3
distance sensors with advanced imaging devices
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical imaging device includes a rigid body. The rigid body includes an elongate member extending longitudinally along a central axis to a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip is configured to pierce through tissue to access an interior of a cavity of a patient. The rigid body also includes a bore extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the elongate member. The surgical imaging device further includes a camera secured to the elongate member of the rigid body within the bore of the rigid body. The camera is adapted to capture images of the interior of the cavity of the patient when the sharp distal tip has pierced through the tissue to access the interior of the cavity of the patient.