Minimally invasive 3D visible imaging for medical applications
Supervisor: Dr Steven Johnson and Dr Peter Mekhail
School: Physics and Astronomy
Description:
Within medical and industrial applications there is a need for better 3D imaging with minimally invasive methods. For medical applications such as examining joint deterioration, 3D imaging can enable doctors to assess the joint before significant invasive procedures are performed, however this is not currently possible before surgery for some soft tissue.
Imaging via pattern projection is regularly used to produce 3D scans of objects. Known patterns are projected onto an object and by viewing the patterns on a camera a three-dimensional surface can be reconstructed. This technique has been used widely in dental imaging, plastic surgery, and product development.
We propose a new method to create the projected patterns, such that visible light is projected via a very narrow-gauge needle. The needle holds two optical fibres which transmit the light. Patterns are produced via the interference of the light from the optical fibres, these patterns projected onto a surface enable 3D reconstructions to be performed. The patterns can be altered by controlling the phase of the light entering the optical fibre; shifting the phase enables multiple patterns to be applied. An off-axis camera would be required to image the area, but this can be performed via a narrow endoscope.
Our previous work has led to the construction of a prototype narrow-gauge needle assembly (600 µm diameter) and a proof-of-principle experiment has shown the ability to produce 3D images. We are in discussion with the company Formus Labs, who develop planning for orthopaedic surgery. This has allowed us to develop the imaging methodology tailored towards surgical applications but requires further development characterise the prototype and gain industrial support. A real-time 3D reconstruction would enable the technique to be used for robotic surgery, which is known to be safer and have shorter recovery times for patients.
The student would be central in developing the imaging system. They would build the real-time 3D reconstruction and write software for a graphical interface to interact with the user. All components have been procured and an agile approach will be taken by the supervisors to the project management.
This project has the potential to produce a medical technology to enable non-invasive imaging within the body, with the dedicated resource of an internship this would accelerate the development of this device to reach a point where it can be demonstrated to industrial collaborators and become a viable product.