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Hexachromatic bioinspired camera for image-guided cancer surgery
Steven Blair1, Missael Garcia1, Tyler Davis1
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Science Translational Medicine
|May 6, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a novel imaging sensor inspired by mantis shrimp vision for image-guided cancer surgery. This technology enhances tumor detection and surgical site mapping, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
- Bio-inspired Imaging
Background:
- Cancer surgery requires precise tumor removal and metastasis identification.
- Current surgical guidance methods have limitations in visualizing cancerous tissues.
- The mantis shrimp visual system offers a unique model for advanced imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bio-inspired image sensor for enhanced image-guided surgery.
- To integrate color and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging capabilities.
- To improve visualization of tumors and surgical site topography.
Main Methods:
- A six-channel color/NIR image sensor was designed, mimicking the mantis shrimp's visual system.
- The sensor integrates vertically stacked silicon photodetectors and pixelated spectral filters.
- The system was tested in mice models with prostate tumors and in human breast cancer surgeries.
Main Results:
- The sensor enabled simultaneous detection of two tumor-targeted fluorophores in mice, achieving 92% accuracy in distinguishing diseased tissue.
- Near-infrared structured illumination accurately mapped tumor 3D topography with a 1.2-mm error.
- Clinical trials in breast cancer patients demonstrated effective sentinel lymph node mapping using NIR fluorophores.
Conclusions:
- The bio-inspired image sensor significantly enhances image-guided surgery capabilities.
- The compact and flexible sensor architecture offers improved tumor visualization and surgical precision.
- This technology holds promise for improving patient outcomes in cancer surgery.
