Colonoscopy video processing for quality metrics determination

US7894648B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research · US
• IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. · US
• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Piet C. De Groen · Rochester, US
• Junghwan Oh · Yongin-si, KR
• Wallapak Tavanapong · Ames, US
• Johnny Wong · Richmond, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 16, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B1/31
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A computer-based method that allows automated measurement of a number of metrics that likely reflect the quality of a colonoscopic procedure. The method is based on analysis of a digitized video file created during colonoscopy, and produces information regarding insertion time, withdrawal time, images at the time of maximal intubation, the time and ratio of clear versus blurred or non-informative images, and a first estimate of effort performed by the endoscopist. As these metrics can be obtained automatically, the method allows future quality control in the day-to-day medical practice setting on a large scale. In addition, the method can be adapted to other healthcare procedures. The method may be useful to assess progress during colonoscopy training, or as part of endoscopic skills assessment evaluations.