Multi-spectral physiologic visualization (MSPV) using laser imaging methods and systems for blood flow and perfusion imaging and quantification in an endoscopic design
Inventors
Chen, Cheng • Ferguson, Jr., T. Bruce • Jacobs, Kenneth Michael
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10390718-B2
Publication Date
2019-08-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
Multispectral imaging systems are provided including a first light source having a first wavelength configured to image a sample; a second light source, different from the first light source, having a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, configured to image the sample; and at least a third light source, different from the first and second light sources, having a third wavelength, different from the first and second wavelengths, configured to image the sample. A camera is configured to receive information related to the first, second and at least third light sources from the sample. A processor is configured to combine the information related to the first, second and at least third light sources provided by the camera to image an anatomical structure of the sample, image physiology of blood flow and perfusion of the sample and/or synthesize the anatomical structure and the physiology of blood flow and perfusion of the sample in terms of a blood flow rate distribution. The imaging system is directed and focused on a field of view (FOV) in a region of interest of the sample using an endoscope.
Core Innovation
The multispectral imaging system utilizes distinct light sources and wavelengths to image a sample surface and penetrate to different depths. Information received by separate sensors of a multi-sensor camera is aligned and synchronized, then combined by a processor to image an anatomical structure and blood-flow or perfusion physiology, or to synthesize them as a blood-flow-rate distribution.
The system directs and focuses on a region of interest through an endoscope to capture separate imaging channels and generate combined views. Embodiments integrate laser speckle imaging, laser Doppler imaging, fluorescence imaging, and reflectance imaging, with surface-sensitive imaging acting as a baseline for correcting motion artifacts in deeper-penetrating measurements. An endoscopic method similarly delivers multiple wavelengths and processes synchronized sensor data.
Claims Coverage
The supplied claims identify three independent claims covering three inventive features: a multispectral imaging system, an endoscopic multispectral imaging method, and an endoscopic imaging system.
Multispectral imaging system
Claim 1 recites first, second, and at least third light sources with distinct wavelengths configured to image a sample surface and penetrate to different depths. Aligned and synchronized information received by separate sensors of a multi-sensor camera is combined by a processor to image an anatomical structure and blood-flow or perfusion physiology, or to synthesize a blood-flow-rate distribution, directed and focused on a region of interest using an endoscope.
Endoscopic multispectral imaging method
Claim 13 recites imaging a sample using first and second light sources with different wavelengths delivered through an endoscopic system. Separate sensors of a multi-sensor camera receive aligned and synchronized surface-reflected information and penetrating information, and a processor combines the information to image anatomy, blood-flow, and perfusion physiology, or synthesize a blood-flow-rate distribution.
Endoscopic imaging system with a multi-sensor camera
Claim 15 recites an endoscope, a coupled light-source unit providing at least three distinct wavelengths, a camera control unit coupled through a multi-sensor camera head, and an image processing unit. Separate synchronized sensors receive information from the surface and different penetration depths, which the image processing unit combines to image anatomy, blood-flow, and perfusion physiology, or synthesize a blood-flow-rate distribution.
The three independent claims cover multispectral imaging systems and an endoscopic imaging method that combine surface and subsurface wavelength measurements to visualize anatomical structures and blood-flow or perfusion physiology.
Stated Advantages
Surface-sensitive imaging provides a motion-artifact baseline for correcting deeper-penetrating measurements.
Endoscopic embodiments provide real-time visualization.
Documented Applications
Imaging anatomical structures and blood-flow and perfusion physiology of a sample, including synthesizing information in terms of a blood-flow-rate distribution and bowel and heart anatomy and perfusion reconstructions.
Endoscopic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and robotic procedures, including laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and cystoscopy for illumination, visualization, and manipulation of cavity tissues and organs.
Endoscopic tissue imaging, blood-flow visualization, image-based finger motion tracking, and integration with a multi-spectral physiologic visualization (MSPV) operating system.
Implementation across mobile-cart, movable-head, finger-probe, patch, and handheld system configurations.
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