Real-time multichannel imaging framework for endoscopy, catheters, and fixed geometry intraoperative systems

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Optical Imaging

Background:

• Clinical applications require advanced intravital optical imaging systems.
• Existing systems often lack real-time processing and multi-channel capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile hardware and software framework for clinically applicable intravital optical imaging.
• To demonstrate the framework's utility with an endoscope-based white light and fluorescence imaging system.

Main Methods:

• Developed real-time acquisition and visualization algorithms for registration, segmentation, and autoexposure.
• Integrated full-spectrum white light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging channels.
• Processed and saved data as 12-bit files, incorporating flux evaluation for dynamic range improvement.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated in vitro experiments showcasing system capabilities.
• Visualized fluorescent-labeled vasculature in a mouse peritoneum in vivo.
• Achieved real-time processing for multi-channel optical imaging.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a clinically relevant solution for intravital optical imaging.
• The system's modularity allows application to diverse imaging modalities and devices.
• This technology has the potential to advance diagnostic and research capabilities in various medical fields.