Surgical Visualization System for Concealed Structure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical imaging systems struggle to recognize and convey concealed anatomical structures and dimensions intraoperatively, leading to uncertain decision-making and potential damage to critical structures during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical visualization system that integrates a structured light source, image sensor, and control circuit to generate a three-dimensional digital representation of anatomical structures, incorporating spectral and time-of-flight measurements to detect and augment concealed structures, providing real-time proximity data to clinicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional imaging systems are used to view the surgical site, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but concealed structures, physical contours, and dimensions within three-dimensional space remain unrecognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (two-dimensional imaging, three-dimensional imaging, and fluorescence imaging) into a single integrated surgical imaging system. This merging allows the system to capture both surface anatomy and concealed subsurface structures simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system simplicity by unified multi-modal data acquisition and registration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to integrated three-dimensional imaging with fluorescence overlay. By adding the third dimension and fluorescence modality, the system reveals concealed structures (such as nerves, vessels, and tumor margins) that are invisible in conventional 2D images, thereby improving information completeness without merely adding complexity but through dimensional enhancement
2Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated to reveal concealed structures, then information completeness improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where the image registration system continuously adjusts and aligns multiple imaging modalities based on detected anatomical landmarks and fiducial markers. This feedback loop ensures accurate co-registration of 2D, 3D, and fluorescence images, reducing the difficulty of detection and measurement by providing automated alignment verification and correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiducial markers and anatomical landmark detection as intermediaries to facilitate the registration process between different imaging modalities. These intermediaries serve as common reference points that simplify the complex task of aligning multiple image types, making the detection and measurement process more manageable through standardized reference frameworks
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but surgical precision and decision-making confidence decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal surgical imaging system that performs multiple functions: 2D imaging, 3D imaging, fluorescence imaging, image registration, and real-time overlay display. This multi-functional system improves surgical precision by providing comprehensive anatomical information while managing complexity through integrated design where a single system performs all functions rather than requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional copy of the surgical site that can be overlaid on the real anatomy. This digital copy includes concealed structures and measurements that enhance surgical precision without requiring physical models or additional complex hardware, achieving improved precision through information copying and virtual augmentation
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 intraoperative decision-making by accurately identifying and avoiding critical structures, improving surgical precision and minimizing damage to vital tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a structured light source configured to emit a structured light pattern on an anatomical structure
Implementation Method 2
incorporating spectral and time-of-flight measurements to detect and augment concealed structures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A surgical visualization system (4000, 4006) is disclosed. The surgical visualization system is configured to identify one or more structure(s) (4001a, 4001b) and/or determine one or more distances with respect to obscuring tissue and/or the identified structure(s). The surgical visualization system can facilitate avoidance of the identified structure(s) by a surgical device. The surgical visualization system (4006) can comprise a first emitter configured to emit a plurality of tissue-penetrating light waves and a second emitter configured to emit structured light (4008) onto the surface (4005) of tissue (4003). The surgical visualization system can also include an image sensor configured to detect reflected visible light, tissue-penetrating light, and/or structured light. The surgical visualization system can convey information to one or more clinicians regarding the position of one or more hidden identified structures (4001a, 4001b) and/or provide one or more proximity indicators. In various instances, imaging data from different sources and/or obtained at different times can be integrated.