SURGICAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FLUORESCENCE

• US 20090054767A1
• Filed: 12/18/2007
• Published: 02/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford Management Co.)
• Original Assignee: Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford Management Co.)
• Inventors: Telischak, Nicholas Alexander, Murphy, Alissa Erin, Wingeier, Brett Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 7,996,068 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/431
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00061 spectrum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/373 using light, e.g. by using optical scanners
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3941 Photoluminescent markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/36 Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for

Abstract

Devices and methods for use in detecting an optical signal, such as from a fluorescent agent, and converting it to a visible signal are provided. Aspects of the devices include a first light source that emits light onto a region of interest such as a body tissue, body fluid, or agent such as a fluorescent agent introduced into the body; a detector for detecting light emitted or reflected from the region of interest; and a visible light source that emits visible light onto the region of interest, where the color or intensity of the visible light is selected based on the amount of light at one or more wavelengths detected by the detector. Devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to identify an anatomical structure during surgery, without the need to eliminate ambient light.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a first light source configured to emit light onto a region of interest;

a light detector; and

a visible light source configured to emit visible light onto said region of interest, said visible light having a color that is selected based on the amount of light detected by said light detector.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said visible light source comprises a first diode and a second diode.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said first diode emits light at a wavelength that ranges from 495 to 570 nanometers.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein said second diode emits light at a wavelength that ranges from 620 to 750 nanometers.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first light source is a collimated light source.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first light source emits light at a first wavelength that ranges from 350 to 495 nanometers.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said visible light has a color ranging from green to red.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said light detector detects light at a wavelength that ranges from 500 to 530 nm.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is a hand-held device.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is a percutaneous device.

11. A device comprising:

a first light source configured to emit light onto a region of interest;

a light detector; and

a visible light source configured to emit visible light onto said region of interest, said visible light having an intensity that is selected based on the amount of light detected by said light detector.

12. A method of detecting a fluorescent agent in a portion of a body, said method comprising:

irradiating said portion with light of a first wavelength;

detecting light of a second wavelength emitted from said portion;

emitting visible light onto said portion from a visible light source that emits light having a color selected based on the amount of light at said second wavelength that is detected.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said visible light source comprises a first diode and a second diode.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said first diode emits light at a wavelength that ranges from 495 to 570 nanometers.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein said second diode emits light at a wavelength that ranges from 620 to 750 nanometers.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein said light of a first wavelength is a collimated light.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein said first wavelength ranges from 350 to 495 nanometers.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein said visible light has a color ranging from green to red.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein said method further comprises administering said fluorescent agent to said body.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein said method is a method of locating an anatomical structure.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said anatomical structure is a ureter.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein said anatomical structure is a bile duct.

23. A kit comprising:

(a) a device comprising;

(i) a first light source configured to emit light onto a region of interest;

(ii) a light detector; and

(iii) a visible light source configured to emit visible light onto said region of interest, having a color that is selected based on the amount of light detected by said light detector; and

(b) a fluorescent agent.