METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FLUORESCENCE GUIDED SURGERY TO IMPROVE INTRAOPERATIVE VISUALIZATION OF BILIARY TREE

摘要

A method and device for improving intraoperative visualization of luminal structures by fluorescent internal illumination is disclosed. Primary focus is on bile duct visualization in order to allow performance of safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The method is based on injecting fluorescent dye either directly in the gallbladder or intravenously so that a fluorescence emission can be induced and a fluorescence image of the biliary system can be detected. The device can comprise a light source (typically high power light emitting diode) producing UV and/or Blue light through and a cylindrical sterilizable or disposable tubular probe with a diameter between 5-15mm. The tubular probe can have an embedded light guide such as a liquid light guide to transmit the light generated by the external UV source to an area under examination, and an inner hollow channel to allow for inserting a surgical instrument (such as dissection instrument). The device can be used during laparoscopic procedures as an integrated device to laparscopic imaging system or as stand-alone imaging system. The device can also be used in open surgery in different parts of the body where it can be introduced through a wound that is used to access the operative field.