Invention:
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed an optical design for laparoscopes that can obtain wide angle and high magnification images of a surgical area in real time. The two images enable seamless registration between the low and high-resolution images, providing surgeons with the best of both worlds. In addition, the innovation enables flexible adjustment of the probe length and offers spatial resolution more than nine times better than state-of-the art endoscopic imaging technology.
Background:
Current state-of-art laparoscopes suffer from a tradeoff between spatial resolution and field of view (FOV). In order to see fine details of a surgical field, the procedures are usually performed at a highly zoomed-in view. That, in turn, leads to the loss of peripheral vision and awareness of situations occurring outside the immediate focus area of the laparoscope. At present, this limitation is clinically addressed by manually moving the entire laparoscope in and out of the camera port to obtain either close-up or wide-angle views, respectively. This requires a trained assistant to hold, move, and manipulate the camera almost constantly.
Advantages:
- Real-time high-resolution (40 microns) and wide angle
- Concurrent dual view capture
- Reduced time for surgery or inspection
Applications:
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Endoscopy, colonoscopy
- Remote inspection
Status: issued U.S. patent #10,064,545
