Scanning techniques for probing and measuring anatomical cavities
AssigneeLantos Technologies, Inc.
InventorsAlban De Brouchoven, Manas Menon, Federico Frigerio
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for scanning an anatomical cavity. The method may include: selecting a scan path for obtaining data from sample areas inside the anatomical cavity, exciting a fluorescent material in an inflatable membrane that conforms to the anatomical cavity, measuring emitted light from the fluorescent material for each sample area, and characterizing the anatomical cavity. Characterizing may be based on at least one of a location or an intensity measurement for each sample area. The method may be executed using a scanning system that includes the inflatable membrane.
Claims17
A method for scanning an anatomical cavity comprising:
- selecting, using a scanning system, a scan path for obtaining data from sample areas in a predetermined pattern, each sample area situated in a location in the anatomical cavity;
- exciting, using the scanning system, a fluorescent material in an inflatable membrane of the scanning system, the inflatable membrane conforming to the anatomical cavity;
- measuring, using the scanning system, emitted light from the fluorescent material for each sample area;
- and
- characterizing the anatomical cavity.
An apparatus for scanning an anatomical cavity comprising:
- a three-dimensional scanner comprising:
- a light source that generates light for scanning and identifying locations within the anatomical cavity;
- a detecting component that receives emitted light from within the anatomical cavity and generates data from the received light;
- a probe element which guides the light generated by the light source;
- and
- an inflatable membrane that surrounds the probe element, the inflatable membrane configured to inflate with a medium to a volume conforming to that of the anatomical cavity;
- a processor that receives data from the detecting component and generates at least distance information;
- wherein the three-dimensional scanner follows a scan path while scanning the anatomical cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.