Development of multifunctional hyperspectral/near-infrared imaging camera system for intraoperative tissue characterization and assessment in vivo

Intraoperative and precise tissue characterization such as oxygenation and perfusion levels during general and abdominal surgery is challenging. Using a newly developed multifunctional hyperspectral/near-infrared imaging camera system, this study presents a real-time visualization of operative field with precise tissue characteristics to assist with surgical decision makings. The imager's performance was evaluated to show versatile imaging modes through in vivo animal studies involving rodent and swine models. Clinical Relevance– Ischemia is a vascular disorder involving an interruption in the peripheral blood supply to a tissue, organ, or extremity that, if untreated, can lead to tissue necrosis. This study aims to develop a noninvasive, real-time, and multifunctional imaging system that displays hyperspectral color, label-free tissue perfusion, and near-infrared fluorescence imaging to assist surgeons by providing accurate tissue information.