Endoscopic fluorescence imaging device

Endoscopic device with fluorescence lifetime imaging capability

A highly versatile endoscopic fluorescence imaging device has been developed for medical diagnostics. The device is multicolour so can be used with a wide range of smartprobes. A unique feature is the ability to record a fluorescence lifetime of a sample, revealing new clinical information, alongside widefield fluorescence images.

Application

  • Medical Devices – fibre optic-based endoscopes
  • Microendoscopic instrumentation
  • Imaging of specific target species including neutrophils, macrophages and fungus

Development Status

  • Demonstration equipment available
IP Status
  • A PCT patent application (Ref: PCT/GB2017/050975) was filed in April 2017

Commercial Offerings

  • Licensing and/or collaborative research

Opportunity

A number of medical diagnostic techniques require fluorescence imaging technology, but current endoscopic devices at best only provide single wavelength excitation, limiting the applicability. A multi-colour device allows a far greater range of tests to be carried out without changing the device configuration. Fluorescence lifetime imaging is not currently available in commercial endoscopic devices.

Technology

The basis of the technology is a specially designed thin-film interference filter that acts as an epi-fluorescence illuminator for one wavelength band, and as a reflector in other bands, as shown in the above figure. This arrangement has been shown to be feasible and cost-effective. Using this special component, microendoscopic systems can work in fluorescence mode for a selected wavelength band and reflection mode in other complementary bands.

Benefits

  • Multiple, customisable excitation sources across visible and near infra-red wavelengths enable the use of a wide range of fluorescent markers and provide the ability to detect clinical conditions
  • Low-cost portable devices can be produced through the use of affordable components, e.g. readily available commercial CMOS detector and camera
  • Simple user interface and fluorescence-calibration algorithms increase flexibility and freedom for the operator

Publication

  • Krstajic et al., Two-color widefield fluorescence microendoscopy enables multiplexed molecular imaging in the alveolar space of human lung tissue, Journal of Biomedical Optics, 21(4), 046009 (April 2016).

Please note, the header image is purely illustrative.

Quote: TEC1100766

License this technology

Paul Clarke

Technology Transfer Manager
School of Biological Sciences
The Roslin Institute
College of Veterinary Medicine

Paul.Clarke@ei.ed.ac.uk