Variable Scanning Beam for Integrated Medical Imaging and Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive medical procedures (MIMPs) require multiple instruments for optical imaging, diagnosis, and therapy, leading to increased tissue damage, longer recovery times, and higher risks due to the limitations of existing flexible scopes that cannot integrate these functions into a single compact device without compromising image quality or size.
Innovation Solution
A scanning device using a singlemode optical fiber that can change scanning patterns and characteristics between successive frames to enable integrated imaging, diagnosis, and therapy, with a control system to vary the amplitude and direction of the scanning force, allowing for different dwell times and light sources to be used for various functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple discrete instruments are used for optical imaging, diagnosis, and therapy, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the number of surgical ports increases, tissue damage increases, and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete medical instruments (optical imaging, fluorescence imaging, diagnosis, and therapy tools) into a single integrated scope. This merging eliminates the need for multiple surgical ports and reduces procedural complexity while maintaining all required functional performances through shared optical pathways and coordinated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated scope is designed to perform multiple functions (imaging, diagnosis, and therapy) through a single device. The system uses a universal optical platform that can switch between different light sources and detection modes, allowing one instrument to replace several specialized tools while maintaining clinical effectiveness for each function.
2Length of moving object
If flexible scopes are made smaller to reduce surgical port size, then minimally invasive benefits increase, but image quality and resolution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into multiple spectral channels (visible light and fluorescence) that share a common optical pathway. By dividing the imaging task across different wavelengths rather than requiring more physical sensors, the system maintains high resolution in a compact form factor, as each spectral channel uses the same small-diameter fiber bundle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spectral dimension to the imaging capability by utilizing fluorescence imaging alongside visible light imaging. This extra dimensional approach (wavelength differentiation) allows the compact scope to gather more diagnostic information without increasing physical size, as the same spatial resolution is achieved through spectral separation rather than additional physical sensors.
3Use of energy by moving object
If standard optical fiber bundles are used for illumination, then sufficient light delivery is achieved, but the light is diffusely illuminating and cannot provide directed high intensity light for therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by using a scanned beam delivery system instead of diffuse illumination. The optical system focuses light to a small spot that can be precisely positioned and scanned across the treatment area, providing high intensity directed light where needed while maintaining overall illumination coverage through systematic scanning patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static diffuse illumination to dynamic scanned beam delivery. The light delivery mechanism is made movable through scanning mirrors or acousto-optic deflectors that dynamically position the high-intensity beam across different locations, enabling both comprehensive coverage and precise targeting for therapeutic applications.
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 a single instrument to perform multiple functions with improved image quality and reduced size, minimizing tissue damage and recovery time, while allowing for precise and intuitive use with reduced training requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A driver is coupled to the scanning element, to apply a force to the scanning element that causes the scanning element to move so that the light beam scans over the region in the desired pattern
Implementation Method 2
A scanning element is coupled to the light conductive medium and is configured to direct light conveyed through the light conductive medium to the region by scanning the region in a desired pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning device for use in an endoscope or other applications can be driven to scan a region with one or more different scanning parameters during successive scanning frames. The scanning device, which can include an optical fiber or reflective surface driven by an actuator to move relative to one or more axes, can be provided with a drive signal that is different during successive scanning frames so that the scanning pattern can be caused to differ between the successive scanning frames by one or more of size, amplitude in at least one direction, depth, duration, shape, and resolution. Thus, different scanning frames can be employed for imaging, carrying out a diagnosis, rendering a therapy, and/or monitoring a site, using the appropriate scanning pattern, appropriate light source, and other parameters for each function that is carried out by the scanning device.