Detection of subcutaneous structures using optical and photoacoustic sensing
OwnerJeffrey H. Oweninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
One or more sensor systems are used to detect subcutaneous structures (e.g., arteries, veins, nerves, hard tissue/bone, foreign objects, etc.) using a combination of optical (e.g., functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), e.g., by placing LEDs of different wavelengths on the skin and processing the optical and photoacoustic signals produced therefrom. Certain embodiments will provide real-time imaging of subcutaneous structures such as for use during real-time diagnostics and surgery.
Claims32
An apparatus comprising at least one sensor system, each sensor system comprising:
- at least one optical receiver;
- at least one acoustic receiver;
- and
- a plurality of sets of LEDs, wherein each set of LEDs contains a distinct color of LED, and wherein the sensor system is configured to direct light from the LEDs into skin to induce both optical signals that are detected by the at least one optical receiver and photoacoustic signals that are detected by the at least one acoustic receiver to detect subcutaneous structures through a combination of optical and photoacoustic sensing.
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method for detecting subcutaneous structures, the method comprising:
- activating at least one LED to direct LED light into skin of a patient;
- receiving optical signals returning through the skin in response to the LED light;
- receiving photoacoustic signals returning through the skin in response to the LED light;
- and
- processing the optical signals and the photoacoustic signals to detect at least one subcutaneous structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.