Concurrent video-rate color and near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy

The visual identification and demarcation of tumors and tumor margins remains challenging due to the low optical contrast of cancer cells over surrounding tissues. Fluorescence molecular imaging was recently considered clinically for improving cancer detection during open surgery. We present herein a next step in the development of fluorescence molecular guidance by describing a novel video-rate imaging laparoscope capable of concurrently recording color and near-infrared fluorescence images and video. Video-rate operation is based on graphics processing unit-based image processing. We examine the optical characteristics of the system developed and provide performance metrics related to intra-operative endoscopic guidance, showcased on phantoms and endoscopic color and fluorescence molecular imaging of tumors in a mouse model of the human disease.