Surgical Microscope Fluorescence Overlay Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing image representations in surgical microscopes fail to optimally overlay fluorescence and color images, leading to inadequate detail visibility and contrast, which can obscure vital information during procedures like vascular operations and tumor resections.
Innovation Solution
A method and surgical microscope that process fluorescence images based on application-specific parameters to optimize their overlay with color images, using techniques such as brightness compensation, contrast adjustment, and filtering, to enhance detail visibility and maintain a clear white light impression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If fluorescence image representation is captured and overlaid with color image representation, then additional information about operation site is provided, but detail visibility and contrast deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence image is processed to extract and emphasize only the relevant fluorescent structures (such as blood vessels or tumor tissue) while separating them from the background. This segmentation allows the fluorescent information to be highlighted without overwhelming the overall image details, thus maintaining both information completeness and detail visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing techniques are applied to different regions of the image. In regions where fluorescent structures are present, enhancement techniques are applied to improve contrast and visibility. In regions without fluorescent structures, the original color image is preserved to maintain natural detail and context. This local differentiation optimizes both information presentation and detail preservation.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence information is enhanced for better detection, then sensitivity improves, but contrast with surrounding tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay process dynamically adjusts the transparency and intensity of the fluorescence image based on local conditions. In areas with fluorescent structures, the fluorescence signal is enhanced with higher opacity. In areas without fluorescent structures, the color image dominates with higher transparency. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal contrast throughout the image while preserving detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Processing parameters such as brightness, contrast, and opacity are adjusted based on the presence and intensity of fluorescent signals. The system automatically modifies these parameters to enhance fluorescent structure visibility while preventing over-enhancement that would reduce contrast with surrounding tissues. This parameter optimization ensures both sensitive detection and appropriate tissue contrast.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application-specific processing is implemented, then image optimization for specific scenarios improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-configured processing profiles for common surgical applications (e.g., vascular surgery, tumor resection). These profiles contain predetermined processing parameters and algorithms optimized for each application type. When an application is selected, the corresponding profile is automatically applied, eliminating the need for complex real-time parameter tuning and reducing system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single processing framework is designed to handle multiple different surgical applications through a unified interface. The system can process different types of fluorescent images (different fluorophores, different wavelengths) and apply different processing algorithms through one versatile platform. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
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 approach provides an optimized image signal that improves detail perception, allowing for better visualization of structures like blood flow and tumors, reducing errors and enhancing surgical precision by maintaining a clear background and environment visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent substance (endogenous or exogenous fluorophore) in the tissue is excited and light emanating from it is captured in a fluorescence image representation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing an image representation by means of a surgical microscope, comprising obtaining or capturing at least one application parameter, capturing a color image representation of a capture region by means of a camera, capturing a fluorescence image representation of the capture region by means of a fluorescence camera, processing the fluorescence image representation by means of a processing device to optimize it for an overlay with the color image representation, wherein a type of processing is defined based on the at least one application parameter, overlaying the color image representation with the processed fluorescence image representation, and providing an image signal that encodes the overlaid image representation. The invention further relates to a surgical microscope.