Surgical Lighting Device NIR Filter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical lighting devices interfere with fluorescence medical imaging by emitting light in the near-infrared wavelength range, requiring them to be turned off during procedures, which is inconvenient and can lead to increased costs due to large, expensive filters needed to mitigate this interference.
Innovation Solution
A surgical lighting device with NIR filters that can be strategically positioned between light sources and optical elements, allowing for controlled activation and deactivation based on fluorescence imaging device activation, minimizing near-infrared light transmission while maintaining optimal white light illumination and adhering to surgical lighting standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If surgical lighting emits white light covering the full spectrum including near-infrared wavelengths, then the lighting provides adequate illumination for surgical procedures, but it interferes with fluorescence medical imaging detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple independent LED light sources, each emitting at specific wavelengths. By segmenting the broad spectrum white light into discrete wavelength components, the system can selectively activate only the visible spectrum LEDs (400-700nm) when fluorescence imaging is in use, while excluding the near-infrared wavelengths (700-900nm) that would interfere with detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spectral characteristics to different parts of the lighting system. Each LED module is designed with specific wavelength emission properties, and the control system can selectively activate modules with appropriate spectral qualities for different surgical conditions. This allows local optimization of light properties for both illumination and fluorescence imaging compatibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical lighting is turned off during fluorescence imaging, then interference with fluorescence detection is eliminated, but the surgeon loses continuous visual monitoring of the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can switch between different lighting modes based on real-time surgical conditions. The control unit receives signals from the fluorescence imaging device and dynamically adjusts the surgical lighting state accordingly - activating NIR filters or specific LED modules during fluorescence imaging, and providing full illumination during standard surgical procedures. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between continuous illumination and fluorescence imaging compatibility.
3Measurement precision
If a large filter is attached to the surgical light to block near-infrared wavelengths, then fluorescence detection accuracy is improved, but the filter becomes prohibitively expensive to manufacture and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic near-infrared wavelength component from the surgical lighting system before the light reaches the surgical field. Instead of using a large external filter, the design incorporates wavelength-selective LED modules that simply do not emit interfering NIR wavelengths. This extraction approach at the source eliminates the need for expensive large-area filtering components while maintaining fluorescence detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength-selective LED modules as intermediary components between the power source and the surgical field. These modules act as mediators that convert electrical energy directly into visible spectrum light, bypassing the need for broad-spectrum white light sources and subsequent filtering. This intermediary approach provides cost-effective wavelength selection without requiring large, expensive filters.
4Illumination intensity
If surgical lighting uses broad-spectrum white light sources, then color rendering is adequate for surgical visualization, but the light contains near-infrared wavelengths that interfere with fluorescence imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source emission spectrum by using LED technology with selectable wavelength characteristics. Instead of using traditional broad-spectrum white light sources (incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent) that inherently emit near-infrared wavelengths, the system employs LED modules with peak emissions in the visible spectrum (400-700nm). This parameter change at the source level eliminates NIR emission while maintaining excellent color rendering properties for surgical visualization.
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 continuous, interference-free surgical lighting during fluorescence imaging by effectively blocking near-infrared wavelengths, reducing filter size and manufacturing costs, and allowing for precise control of light characteristics to meet surgical lighting standards, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing eye strain.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of NIR filters, each NIR filter being associated with a light source and being configured to substantially prevent transmission of wavelengths within a wavelength band of approximately 680 nm to 900 nm
Implementation Method 2
The technique consists of illuminating an area of interest with an excitation wavelength designed to cause certain molecules to fluoresce
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a surgical lighting device for generating a spot of light on a surgical site for use in combination with a fluorescence imaging device. The lighting device comprises a support structure, a subsurface which may be coupled to the support structure to seal the lower surface of the device while allowing light to pass through and a plurality of light sources emitting white light and placed between the support structure and the subsurface. The device further includes a plurality of NIR (near infrared) filters, each NIR filter being associated with a light source and being configured to substantially prevent the transmission of wavelengths within a wavelength band from 680 nm to 900 nm, while minimizing the change in the color temperature of the light spot.