Keywords Cerenkov luminescence imaging, Clinical imaging, Diagnostic
imaging, Endoscopy, Intraoperative imaging
1 Introduction
Optical imaging modalities are a crucial component of medical diagnosis and
treatment. They are widely utilized for both diagnostic and interventional procedures. Thanks to the rapid pace of innovation in optical imaging technologies,
clinicians have a wider array of imaging tools available than ever before. Furthermore, a number of promising new modalities are approaching clinical viability, for a
broad variety of applications. This review will describe the current state of opticalbased imaging modalities in diagnosis via endoscopic imaging and in treatment via
image-guided surgery. Additionally, Cerenkov luminescence imaging, a promising
new technology with many potential medical applications, will be described in
detail.
2 Diagnostic Endoscopic Imaging
Endoscopy, a classification of medical procedures which utilize an endoscope to
examine the endoluminal surfaces of internal body cavities, is a vitally important
clinical tool, both for diagnosis and for guidance of interventional procedures such as
surgery. Information gleaned from diagnostic endoscopic examinations help clinicians diagnose diseases and guide treatment decisions. Naturally, optical imaging
technologies are integral to endoscopic procedures. This review section will discuss
the current state and technological horizon of optical imaging modalities in diagnostic medical endoscopy.
Optical Imaging and Clinical Endoscopy The current standard of care for most
clinical endoscopic imaging is non-fluorescent white light endoscopy (WLE). This
optical imaging modality relies upon full-spectrum visible light illumination for
visualizing internal anatomy. It can be used both for wide-field imaging and, with
magnification, for examination of internal microanatomy. Although WLE is widely
used clinically and does not require the administration of contrast agents, it has many
shortcomings. Endoscopic diagnosis with WLE relies mainly upon the clinician’s
subjective ability to recognize macroscopic or microscopic morphological abnormalities in surface mucosa and other superficial structures. Generally, WLE is useful
for the detection of conspicuous and superficial abnormalities; indistinct and
non-facile abnormalities may escape detection with WLE. Furthermore, WLE detection of lesions is often not sufficient to merit diagnosis; invasive tissue biopsy
204
E. P. Stater et al.
imaging, Endoscopy, Intraoperative imaging
1 Introduction
Optical imaging modalities are a crucial component of medical diagnosis and
treatment. They are widely utilized for both diagnostic and interventional procedures. Thanks to the rapid pace of innovation in optical imaging technologies,
clinicians have a wider array of imaging tools available than ever before. Furthermore, a number of promising new modalities are approaching clinical viability, for a
broad variety of applications. This review will describe the current state of opticalbased imaging modalities in diagnosis via endoscopic imaging and in treatment via
image-guided surgery. Additionally, Cerenkov luminescence imaging, a promising
new technology with many potential medical applications, will be described in
detail.
2 Diagnostic Endoscopic Imaging
Endoscopy, a classification of medical procedures which utilize an endoscope to
examine the endoluminal surfaces of internal body cavities, is a vitally important
clinical tool, both for diagnosis and for guidance of interventional procedures such as
surgery. Information gleaned from diagnostic endoscopic examinations help clinicians diagnose diseases and guide treatment decisions. Naturally, optical imaging
technologies are integral to endoscopic procedures. This review section will discuss
the current state and technological horizon of optical imaging modalities in diagnostic medical endoscopy.
Optical Imaging and Clinical Endoscopy The current standard of care for most
clinical endoscopic imaging is non-fluorescent white light endoscopy (WLE). This
optical imaging modality relies upon full-spectrum visible light illumination for
visualizing internal anatomy. It can be used both for wide-field imaging and, with
magnification, for examination of internal microanatomy. Although WLE is widely
used clinically and does not require the administration of contrast agents, it has many
shortcomings. Endoscopic diagnosis with WLE relies mainly upon the clinician’s
subjective ability to recognize macroscopic or microscopic morphological abnormalities in surface mucosa and other superficial structures. Generally, WLE is useful
for the detection of conspicuous and superficial abnormalities; indistinct and
non-facile abnormalities may escape detection with WLE. Furthermore, WLE detection of lesions is often not sufficient to merit diagnosis; invasive tissue biopsy
204
E. P. Stater et al.