Surgical Mapping Tool for En Face OCT Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) lack predictability due to the inability to accurately map the individual patient's aqueous humor outflow tract morphology, which is obscured by blood vessels in OCT images, making it difficult to bypass resistance in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A surgical mapping tool that utilizes optical coherence tomography (OCT) data and split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation algorithm (SSADA)-derived images to generate hybrid images, allowing for the translation of feature locations from one coordinate system to another, enabling the display of markers on en face images to visualize the aqueous humor outflow pathway, including Schlemm's canal, trabecular meshwork, and outflow vessel density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If OCT cross-sectional images are used to visualize the aqueous humor outflow tract, then the anatomical structure can be captured, but the blood vessels obscure the individual vessels and constrictions in the outflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (OCT cross-sectional images and en face images) into a unified surgical map. The en face image provides a top-down view that complements the cross-sectional OCT data, allowing visualization of both the outflow tract morphology and the overlying vasculature in different planes, thereby resolving the obscuration problem by separating the information layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional cross-sectional OCT images to a three-dimensional surgical map that integrates multiple viewing angles. By adding the en face dimension (top-down view) to the cross-sectional views, the system enables surgeons to navigate the complex 3D anatomy and identify outflow constrictions that are not visible in single-plane images.
2Reliability
If MIGS is performed without preoperative knowledge of individual patient's outflow tract morphology, then the surgery can be performed quickly, but the outcomes are not predictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive imaging and mapping procedures before surgery to establish a detailed surgical map of the patient's outflow tract morphology. This preoperative preparation includes capturing OCT cross-sectional images, generating en face images, and integrating them into a unified map that guides surgical planning, thereby improving outcome predictability while managing the complexity through systematic workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or digital model of the patient's outflow tract anatomy through image processing and mapping. This digital surgical map serves as a preoperative plan that replicates the patient's unique anatomy, allowing surgeons to study and plan the procedure without altering the actual patient, thus improving predictability while keeping the physical intervention minimal.
3Ease of operation
If surgeons must review and memorize OCT cross-sectional images, then no additional mapping tools are needed, but it is difficult to accurately locate features within the patient's morphology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational mapping system as an intermediary between the OCT imaging data and the surgeon's decision-making process. This system automatically processes cross-sectional OCT images, generates en face views, and creates integrated surgical maps that highlight key anatomical features. The intermediary translates complex imaging data into an intuitive format, improving both ease of operation and measurement precision without requiring surgeons to manually memorize images.
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
This solution provides a predictable and accurate visualization of the aqueous humor outflow pathway, enhancing the success of MIGS by allowing surgeons to better understand and navigate the patient-specific anatomy during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images may not be able to detect constrictions in the outflow of the aqueous humor
Implementation Method 2
obtain a split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation algorithm (SSADA)-derived image
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and method for generating surgical maps that provide a surgeon with information regarding the placement of features of interest. More particularly, the system is configured to display optical coherence tomography (OCT) images to a medical professional. The medical professional can select anatomical features, biomarkers, and other features of interest within each of the OCT images. The system can then translate the location of the features of interest within the OCT images to an en face image to generate a map of the features that the medical professional can use for surgical guidance.