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CC BY 4.0 · Endoscopy 2025; 57(01): 86-87
DOI: 10.1055/a-2438-0202
E-Videos

Use of an endoscopic virtual ruler based on the fiber laser principle and artificial intelligence technology

Yaxian Kuai
1   Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN36639)
,
Shiwei Zhou
2   School of Software, University of Science and Technology of China School of Software Engineering, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN601409)
,
Bin Sun
3   Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN36639)
,
Xu Wang
4   Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN36639)
,
Youwei Xiao
5   Research and Development Department, Hefei Zhongna Medical Instrument Co. Ltd, Hefei, China
,
Aijiu Wu
6   Research and Development Department, Hefei Zhongna Medical Instrument Co. Ltd, Hefei, China
,
Derun Kong 
7   Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN36639)
› Author Affiliations
Supported by: 2022 Key Research and Development Plan Project of the Science and Technology Department of Anhui Province 2022e07020048

Clinical Trial: Registration number (trial ID): ChiCTR2400085998, Trial registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Type of Study:
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The accurate measurement of lesion size during endoscopic procedures is of paramount importance. It not only informs the assessment of disease risk, but also guides the selection of appropriate surgical interventions and provides a foundation for effective treatment monitoring [1]. Current endoscopic measurement techniques, such as visual inspection, the tension clamp method, and the implantable instrument ruler, still exhibit certain limitations [2]. To address this challenge, researchers have explored the development of an endoscopic virtual ruler based on fiber laser principles and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which aims to enable simple and precise real-time measurement of various types of lesions.

In this innovative model, a laser-based approach is employed to precisely measure the size and distance of targets [3]. Leveraging a medical endoscope, fiber-coupled laser, laser collimator, and an advanced AI algorithm, the system generates laser spots that appear at varying size at different distances ([Fig. 1]). By analyzing the spot area in the captured image and correlating it with the known scale bar, the system is able to accurately estimate the distance to the object and calculate its actual size. This end-to-end solution streamlines the measurement process during medical procedures, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions based on reliable data-driven insights. The integration of cutting-edge laser technology and intelligent software algorithms underscores the continuous advancements in medical imaging and diagnostics.

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Schematic diagram of the endoscopic virtual ruler construction.

[Video 1] shows the novel model being used to accurately size a large raised polyp, a laterally spreading polyp, and an early gastric cancer ([Fig. 2]).

Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Examples of measurements made using the virtual ruler for: a a round foreign body in an ex vivo pig stomach; b an early antral cancer; c a sigmoid colon polyp; d a laterally spreading polyp in the ascending colon.

Quality:
An introduction to the endoscopic virtual ruler, including its demonstration on an ex vivo pig stomach and three different lesions in patients.Video 1

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AQ_2AI

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Citation Format

Endoscopy 2024; 56: E795–E796. doi: 10.1055/a-2409-0070


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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

  • References

  • 1 von Renteln D, Djinbachian R, Zarandi-Nowroozi M. et al. Measuring size of smaller colorectal polyps using a virtual scale function during endoscopies. Gut 2023; 72: 417-420
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 2 Wang J, Li Y, Chen B. et al. A real-time deep learning-based system for colorectal polyp size estimation by white-light endoscopy: development and multicenter prospective validation. Endoscopy 2024; 56: 260-270
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 3 Feng H, Zhan L, Zhu R. et al. Endoscopic displacement measurement based on fiber optic bundles. Opt Express 2022; 30: 14948
    Search in Google Scholar

Correspondence

Derun Kong, MD
Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical
No.81 Jixi Road
Shushan District, Hefei City, 230031, Anhui Province
China   

Publication History

Article published online:
19 December 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This article was originally published by Thieme in Endoscopy 2024; 56: E795–E796 as an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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  • References

  • 1 von Renteln D, Djinbachian R, Zarandi-Nowroozi M. et al. Measuring size of smaller colorectal polyps using a virtual scale function during endoscopies. Gut 2023; 72: 417-420
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 2 Wang J, Li Y, Chen B. et al. A real-time deep learning-based system for colorectal polyp size estimation by white-light endoscopy: development and multicenter prospective validation. Endoscopy 2024; 56: 260-270
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 3 Feng H, Zhan L, Zhu R. et al. Endoscopic displacement measurement based on fiber optic bundles. Opt Express 2022; 30: 14948
    Search in Google Scholar

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Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Schematic diagram of the endoscopic virtual ruler construction.
Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Examples of measurements made using the virtual ruler for: a a round foreign body in an ex vivo pig stomach; b an early antral cancer; c a sigmoid colon polyp; d a laterally spreading polyp in the ascending colon.