Non-Contrast Radiation-Free NIR Lung Imaging

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Optical Physics

Background:

• Solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) localization is difficult, often requiring ionizing radiation.
• Current endoscopic navigation methods for SPN detection face limitations.
• There is a need for non-ionizing imaging techniques for pulmonary procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a novel, radiation-free optical method for SPN localization.
• To utilize near-infrared (NIR) translumination for visualizing lung parenchyma.
• To evaluate the feasibility of NIR translumination for intra-thoracic visualization.

Main Methods:

• A miniaturized NIR light source was inserted into the bronchial tree.
• Transmitted and scattered NIR light was detected from the pleural side using minipleuroscopy and a CMOS camera.
• The technique leverages intrinsic optical properties of lung tissue, avoiding contrast agents.

Main Results:

• Clear visualization of tissue structures through up to 4 cm of ex vivo porcine lung parenchyma.
• Consistent detection of bronchial NIR illumination from the pleural cavity in a ventilated pig.
• Distinct imaging of lobular structures and bronchial mucosa was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Near-infrared (NIR) translumination offers radiation-free intra-thoracic visualization.
• This technique shows promise as an adjunct for biopsy guidance in pulmonary procedures.
• Further research is needed for clinical validation and translation to human applications.