The use of infrared imaging in laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Laparoscopic infrared (IR) imaging was investigated as an adjunct to improve visualization of the anatomic structures and tissues critical to successful laparoscopic surgery. In this experiment, a pneumoperitoneum was induced in an anesthetized pig. An IR sensitive camera was inserted into the abdomen with visualization of the bowel, liver, and hepatic hilar structures. These imaged features were enhanced via small temperature changes induced in the tissues by cool CO/sub 2/ insufflation and hot electrocautery.