Endoscopic and Ultrasound Image Synchronization for Swallowing Exams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swallowing examinations using multiple medical imaging systems are inefficient and burdensome for patients due to repeated procedures and complex result management, with existing technologies failing to synchronize and accurately display images from different systems in real time.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing system that synchronizes and displays endoscopic and ultrasound video signals in real time, using a processor to detect swallowing timings and extract index moving images for efficient observation, reducing patient burden and enhancing examination efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple examination systems (endoscope, X-ray fluoroscope, ultrasonography) are used to perform swallowing examinations, then comprehensive swallowing information can be obtained, but the examination becomes burdensome for patients and inefficient for examiners due to repeated procedures and complex result management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple examination systems (endoscope, X-ray fluoroscope, ultrasonography) into a single integrated examination process. The processor device receives and processes images from all these systems simultaneously, merging their functions to comprehensively capture swallowing information across different stages (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal) in one examination session rather than requiring separate procedures for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor device serves as a universal platform that handles multiple types of medical imaging systems. It can receive, process, and display images from endoscopes, X-ray fluoroscopes, and ultrasonography devices, making it a multi-functional system that manages diverse examination tools through a single interface and centralized control mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple examination systems are used to image different stages of swallowing, then detailed swallowing evaluation is possible, but the management and review of examination results becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display and management functions of multiple examination systems into a single processor device. All images from endoscope, X-ray fluoroscope, and ultrasonography are processed and displayed together on one screen with unified controls, allowing examiners to review all swallowing stages (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal) simultaneously rather than switching between separate systems and managing multiple result sets.
3Productivity
If endoscopic and X-ray images are displayed simultaneously on the same screen, then real-time observation is improved, but there is a difference in playback timing that reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The processor device implements feedback mechanisms to synchronize playback timing of images from different examination systems. It receives timing information from each system (endoscope, X-ray fluoroscope, ultrasonography) and adjusts the display timing to ensure that images captured at the same moment are displayed simultaneously, eliminating the playback timing differences that would otherwise reduce observation accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a medical image processing system that reduces a burden on a patient and enables a doctor to efficiently observe swallowing in a swallowing examination with a plurality of examination systems. The medical image processing system reduces the burden on the patient by simultaneously performing the swallowing examination with a plurality of portable swallowing examination systems. The medical image processing system acquires an endoscopic video signal, which is obtained by performing the swallowing examination of a laryngopharynx with an endoscope (11a) that is inserted from a nasal cavity of the patient, and an ultrasound video signal, which is acquired by observing an airway, an esophagus, the laryngopharynx, a tongue, or a vicinity of a hyoid bone with an ultrasonography terminal (12a) that comes into contact with a neck of the patient, performs a synchronization process on the basis of an imaging time, and displays the video signals on a display.