Integrated endoscopy system for simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy for early lung cancer detection

An integrated endoscopy system for simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy was developed to facilitate more accurate and convenient detection of early lung cancers. A specially designed three-CCD camera in combination with a dedicated light source permits capture of both white-light color images and tissue autofluorescence images without the need to switch between two different cameras. A mirror with an optical fiber at its center, placed at an interim imaging plane inside the camera unit, facilitates simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy measurements in either white-light reflectance mode or fluorescence mode. The system has been successfully tested in a clinic, demonstrating a practical approach to improve both diagnostic sensitivity and specificity at the same time.