Accurate identification, precise dissection, and careful preservation of critical structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, are key to successful surgical outcomes. Unintended and/or unrecognized injuries to critical structures result in debilitating short- and long-term morbidity, avoidable mortality, and considerable socioeconomic and healthcare burdens. ChemImage has developed a Molecular Chemical Imaging endoscope (MCI-E) to be deployed as an intraoperative imaging device for real-time detection of key anatomical structures. MCI-E does not require the use of contrast agents, and employs visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) reflectance hyperspectral imaging. We tested the in vivo performance of MCI-E by collecting high quality vis-NIR signatures from several anatomical structures, including ureters, arteries, and veins in live pigs under general anesthesia. In this paper, we will present successful MCI-E detection of lymph node, ureter, vessels, nerve, bowel, and thyroid in background tissues under relevant in vivo conditions.
If successful, integration of MCI-E into surgical procedures will enable real-time automated detection of anatomical structures during surgeries. The benefits of this capability include the opportunity of reduced surgery time, decreased patient risk, fewer repeat surgeries, and enhancement of surgeon training.
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