Apparatus and methods for identifying and evaluating bright spot indications observed through optical coherence tomography
AssigneeResearch Development Foundation
InventorsMarc D. FELDMAN, Thomas E. MILNER, Jennifer E. PHIPPS
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Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatus and methods for identifying bright spot indications observed through optical coherence tomography. The indications can be evaluated, for example, to link risk factors or other conditions to clinically relevant outcomes.
Claims41
An apparatus comprising:
- an imaging device comprising an optical coherence tomography light source, wherein the imaging device is configured to obtain an image of a lumen via a catheter inserted into the lumen;
- and
- a non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the following steps used in the evaluation of the image of the lumen:
- (1) identify the catheter;
- (2) identify the lumen;
- (3) obtain a plurality of A-scans and B-scans of the lumen;
- (4) calculate distances between the catheter and the lumen for each A-scan and the overall mean distance to the catheter (Meanoverall);
- (5) calculate the average of A-scans closer to the catheter than Meanoverall (Acloser) and the average of A-scans further to the catheter than Meanoverall (Afurther);
- (6) normalize Acloser and Afurther by the range of values in a B-scan (maximum value−minimum value), AcloserN and AfurtherN;
- and
- (7) identify bright spots as those pixels in each A-scan that are greater than the corresponding pixels in AcloserN or AfurtherN, depending on whether the A-scan lumen is closer or further to the catheter compared to Meanoverall.
The apparatus of claim wherein the imaging device further comprises a photon counting detector.
An apparatus comprising:
- an optical coherence tomography light source configured to emit a first wavelength;
- a splitter configured to direct the first wavelength emitted from the coherence tomography light source to a reference path and to a sample path, wherein the sample path is directed to a sample site through an optical fiber;
- a short-pulsed light source configured to emit a second wavelength;
- a first dichroic element and a second dichroic element;
- and
- a visual display configured to display an image of the sample site, wherein the apparatus is configured to enhance a portion of the image of the sample site based on the distance between the optical fiber and the sample site.
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the apparatus is configured to document a clinically relevant outcome based on the texture analysis and a presence of bright spots.
A method of diagnosing a medical condition, the method comprising:
- obtaining an image of a sample site using an optical coherence tomography light source emitting light from an optical fiber;
- obtaining a plurality of A-scans and B-scans of the sample site;
- calculating distances between the optical fiber and the sample site for each A-scan and the overall mean distance to the optical fiber (Meanoverall);
- calculating the average of A-scans closer to the optical fiber than Meanoverall (Acloser) and the average of A-scans further to the optical fiber than Meanoverall (Afurther);
- normalizing Acloser and Afurther by the range of values in a B-scan (maximum value−minimum value), AcloserN and AfurtherN;
- and
- identifying bright spots as those pixels in each A-scan that are greater than the corresponding pixels in AcloserN or AfurtherN, depending on whether the A-scan sample site is closer or further to the optical fiber compared to Meanoverall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.