Systems and methods for medical imaging
Inventors
Dehghani, Hossein • Buharin, Vasiliy E. • Stolyarov, Roman • Calef, Thomas • O'Shea, Liam • Dye, Alexander J. • Situ, Chris J.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11977218-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for medical imaging. The system may comprise a scope assembly. The scope assembly may comprise a housing unit configured to releasably couple to at least a portion of an elongated scope. The scope assembly may comprise an imaging unit operably coupled to the housing unit, wherein the imaging unit comprises an optics assembly configured to (i) receive one or more light beams that are transmitted through the elongated scope and (ii) direct at least a portion of the one or more light beams onto two or more locations within a subject's body. At least one of the two or more locations may comprise a target site. The imaging unit may be configured to move via a rotational and/or translational motion relative to the housing unit to alter a field of view when imaging within the subject's body.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes a scope assembly for directing one or more light beams transmitted through an elongated scope to a target site on or within a subject's body. A housing unit encloses at least a portion of the elongated scope and is releasably coupled to the elongated scope portion. An imaging unit is operably coupled to a distal end of the housing unit and includes an optics assembly configured to direct the one or more light beams.
The imaging unit comprises a camera and a depth sensor located on different sides of the imaging unit such that the camera and the depth sensor have different optical axes. The different optical axes are described as non-parallel and substantially orthogonal in some configurations, and both imaging and depth sensing are performed within the imaging unit.
The imaging unit is movable via rotational or translational motion relative to the housing unit to alter a field of view. The optics assembly is configured to move independent from a position, an orientation, or a movement of the imaging unit, and in some configurations is configured to move out of the optical path when the imaging unit is oriented substantially parallel to the length of the elongated scope.
Claims Coverage
The claims coverage centers on one independent claim directed to a scope assembly with a releasably coupled housing, a distal imaging unit, a camera and a depth sensor on different sides with different optical axes, and independent movement of the optics assembly relative to the imaging unit.
Releasably coupled housing enclosing an elongated scope portion
A housing unit encloses at least a portion of an elongated scope and is releasably coupled to the elongated scope portion.
Distal imaging unit with optics assembly
An imaging unit is operably coupled to a distal end of the housing unit and includes an optics assembly configured to direct one or more light beams transmitted through the elongated scope to a target site on or within a subject's body.
Camera and depth sensor on different sides with different optical axes
The imaging unit comprises a camera and a depth sensor located on different sides of the imaging unit such that the camera and the depth sensor have different optical axes.
Movable imaging unit to alter field of view
The imaging unit is movable via rotational or translational motion relative to the housing unit to alter a field of view.
Independent movement of optics assembly relative to imaging unit
The optics assembly is configured to move independent from a position, an orientation, or a movement of the imaging unit.
Overall, the claims are directed to a scope assembly with a distal imaging unit having a camera and a depth sensor with different optical axes, while the imaging unit changes field of view and the optics assembly moves independently of the imaging unit.
Stated Advantages
Reduced false positives compared with dye-based fluorescence systems.
Improved workflow/cost by avoiding dye administration.
Real-time/low latency depth and perfusion detection.
Correlation with laser Doppler measurements.
Documented Applications
Medical imaging for a surgical subject/patient using a scope assembly with an elongated scope and imaging at a target site on or within the subject's body.
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