Real time, label free, intraoperative visualization of peripheral nerves and micro vasculatures using multimodal optical imaging techniques.
Accurate, real time identification and display of critical anatomic structures, such as the nerve and vasculature structures, are critical for reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes. Human vision is frequently limited in clearly distinguishing and contrasting these structures. We present a novel imaging system, which enables noninvasive visualization of critical anatomic structures during surgical dissection. Peripheral nerves are visualized by a snapshot polarimetry that calculates the anisotropic optical properties. Vascular structures, both venous and arterial, are identified and monitored in real time using a near infrared laser speckle contrast imaging. We evaluate the system by performing in vivo animal studies with qualitative comparison by contrast agent aided fluorescence imaging.
Biomedical optics express