Visualization and identification of critical structures such as blood vessels and tumor margins during surgery can often be difficult. The impact of misidentification of such structures can range from internal bleeding to inadequate excision of a malignant tumor and the subsequent need for additional surgery. We are developing an intraoperative device which will provide surgeons with the ability to visualize specified anatomic structures in real-time and without the use of labels (i.e. reagents). This imaging tool employs diffuse reflectance Molecular Chemical Imaging (MCI), a technology combining molecular spectroscopy and digital imaging for non-invasive, non-contact and reagentless evaluation of human tissues. In order to implement real-time sensing, we have developed a new approach to MCI, based on the principles of compressive sensing, and involving a novel, multivariate liquid crystal tunable filter technology. This technology can facilitate real-time detection of biological materials versus complex backgrounds with equal performance to that achieved by conventional MCI instruments. In this paper, we will present results demonstrating the capabilities and performance of a proof-of-concept intraoperative MCI surgical device.
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