Tissue Oxygenation Imaging Using Dual-Wavelength Hemoglobin Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately and non-invasively determine the oxygenated-blood content in biological tissue, particularly in cases of local tissue hypoxia, which can lead to tissue necrosis or viability issues in conditions like peripheral vascular disease and severe injuries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using spectral analysis with specific wavelength ranges to differentiate oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin absorbance, generating a tissue-oxygenation map without invasive substances, allowing real-time determination of oxygenated/deoxygenated status through pixel-by-pixel comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If global (systemic) measurements of peripheral oxygen saturation are used, then the measurement is simple and non-invasive, but it cannot identify local tissue hypoxia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement into multiple narrow spectral bands (405-420nm, 465-480nm, 630-650nm, 680-700nm) corresponding to different hemoglobin absorption characteristics. Each band provides information about oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin at specific tissue locations, enabling local oxygenation assessment rather than global averaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal measurement (pulse oximetry over time) to spatial-spectral measurement (hyperspectral imaging across wavelength and tissue depth). By adding the spectral dimension with multiple narrow bands, the system can differentiate hemoglobin states and map oxygenation distribution across tissue surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If hyperspectral imaging with multiple narrow spectral bands is used, then tissue oxygenation can be determined, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different wavelength bands to detect specific hemoglobin properties at different tissue depths. Shorter wavelengths (405-480nm) detect superficial oxygenation while longer wavelengths (630-700nm) penetrate deeper, allowing localized assessment of oxygenation at different anatomical levels within the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the spectral parameter (wavelength) across four distinct narrow bands to extract different hemoglobin absorption characteristics. By changing the wavelength parameter, the system can differentiate between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations without requiring invasive probes.
3Measurement precision
If invasive substances are used for tissue oxygenation measurement, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the tissue's own optical properties (hemoglobin absorption spectra) as the measurement target. The hemoglobin molecules naturally absorb light at specific wavelengths based on their oxygenation state, eliminating the need for external contrast agents or invasive substances. The tissue essentially measures itself through its inherent optical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical or chemical measurement methods with non-invasive optical detection. Instead of inserting probes or injecting substances, the system uses light interaction with hemoglobin to determine oxygenation levels, substituting a contactless optical field-based measurement for traditional invasive approaches.
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 accurate, non-invasive assessment of tissue oxygenation, differentiating between arteries, veins, and non-blood areas, predicting tissue viability, and aiding in surgical and emergency medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavelength range in which the absorbance of the deoxyhemoglobin within the tissue is higher than the oxyhemoglobin, and a second wavelength range in which the absorbance of the oxyhemoglobin within the tissue is higher than the deoxyhemoglobin
Implementation Method 2
receive first and second data indicative of an intensity of light diffusely reflected from at least one area of a surface of biological tissue in a first and second range of wavelengths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A system and method are presented for use in monitoring oxygenation in biological tissue. The system comprises a control unit being configured and operable to receive data indicative of light response from a region of the biological tissue being subjected to illumination and/or collection at two separate wavelengths in two selected wavelength ranges and processing the data by comparing data indicative of each selected wavelength range to determine an oxygenated/deoxygenated status of the biological tissue. The two wavelength ranges comprise a first wavelength range in which the absorbance of the deoxyhemoglobin within the tissue is higher than the oxyhemoglobin, and a second wavelength range in which the absorbance of the oxyhemoglobin within the tissue is higher than the deoxyhemoglobin or vice versa. The two wavelengths in said two wavelength ranges comprise first and second wavelengths satisfying a predetermined condition of a ratio between the absorbance of the deoxyhemoglobin and the oxyhemoglobin for each of the first and second identified wavelengths.