McMaster Biophotonics - Imaging for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

The motivation behind imaging and tracking an endoscope during a procedure in the gastrointestinal tract is related to a) the path of the endoscope internally and b) small object tracking for early detection of diseases.

In colonoscopy, it is important to monitor the progression or recurrence of suspected cancerous lesions (e.g., polyps). Because the colon is contractile and mobile, however, it is very difficult to relocate a lesion (e.g., a polyp) even during the same procedure. We are developing a novel 360 degree panoramic imaging method to build a map of colon lining, during colonoscopy, and use it to locate and track cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. This research will make colon cancer screening and treatments more effective.

A motion tracking device was previously developed to provide the accurate position, rotation, and velocity of the endoscope to be used in both upper and lower gastrointestinal procedures. It will help gastroenterologists during examination, diagnosis, treatments, and follow-ups to record precise location information during a procedure whether it is for determining the exact area for follow-ups, training doctors, or comparing the size of a tumour. In the current phase, this prototype design is being optimized using modern camera and imaging features as well as hardware and software design to produce a more efficient product that can be used in a clinical setting. The benefits of this design as compared to other solutions are the cost-effective, small-sized, real-time, and software based approach that can simplify the design and minimize the weight of the device. It is also placed externally on the endoscope and does not go inside the patient which allows for it to be removed or disposed.

* Ian H. D. Phillips, David Armstrong and Qiyin Fang, “A Real-Time Endoscope Motion Tracker,” IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, 10:1-9, 2022, (Open Access).

* Samir Sahli, Roy C. C. Wang , Aparna Murthy, David Armstrong , M. Jamal Deen , and Qiyin Fang, “A 360 Degree Side View Endoscope for Lower GI Tract Mapping,” Physics in Canada, 71:1, 2015 (Open Access).