Continuously zoom imaging probe for the multi-resolution foveated laparoscope

Area of Science:

• Medical technology
• Surgical instrumentation
• Optical engineering

Background:

• Standard laparoscopes in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) present a resolution-field of view (FOV) tradeoff.
• This limitation hinders simultaneous high-resolution imaging for precision and wide-angle views for situational awareness, impacting MIS efficiency and outcomes.
• Existing multi-resolution foveated laparoscopes (MRFL) offer dual-view capabilities but are restricted to fixed magnification levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-magnification probe with continuous zooming for enhanced MIS visualization.
• To overcome the limitations of fixed magnification in current dual-view MRFL systems.
• To enable fine adjustment of magnification for optimal resolution and field coverage during surgery.

Main Methods:

• Designed a novel high-magnification probe utilizing two electrically tunable lenses.
• One tunable lens provides optical zoom, while the second compensates for image focus.
• Analyzed the optical design and tunable lens performance.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a high-magnification probe with continuous zooming capability, eliminating mechanical moving parts.
• Achieved an optical magnification range of 2x to 3x relative to the wide-angle probe.
• Maintained consistent focused object position across magnification changes.

Conclusions:

• The developed probe offers continuous, mechanically-free optical zoom for MIS.
• This technology has the potential to significantly improve surgical precision and efficiency in minimally invasive procedures.
• The system provides surgeons with adaptable, high-resolution imaging for better surgical outcomes.