No abstract

No abstract

A multicolor fluorescence imaging device was recently developed for image-guided surgery. However, conventional systems are typically bulky and function with two cameras. To overcome these issues, we developed an economical home-built fluorescence imaging device based on a single RGB-IR sensor that can acquire both color and fluorescence images simultaneously. The technical feasibility of RGB-IR imaging was verified ex vivo in chicken breast tissue using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), cyanine 5 (Cy5), and indocyanine green (ICG) as fluorescent agents. The minimum sensitivities for FITC, Cy5, and ICG were 0.200 µM, 0.130 µM, and 0.065 µM, respectively. In addition, we validated the fluorescence imaging of this device in vitro during a minimally invasive procedure using smURFP-labeled probiotics, which emit a spectrum similar to that of Cy5. Our preliminary study of the ex vivo tissue suggests that Cy5 and ICG are good candidates for deep tissue imaging. In addition, the tumor-specific amplification process was visualized using cancer cells incubated with probiotics that had been labeled with a fluorescent protein. Our approach indicates the potential for in vivo screening of tumors in rodent tumor models.

No abstract

The potential for damage caused by a light source can be minimized using our new endoscope, which results in safer and less invasive procedures. Further studies are under way to develop a nonilluminated endoscope without a light cable or source and to miniaturize the camera to decrease costs and improve the maneuverability of the entire endoscope system.

No abstract

No abstract

This article describes a novel hand-operated end-effector device developed for loose body removal in hip arthroscopy. This sterilizable and reusable device incorporates a wire-ball joint mechanism that provides motion with 5 degrees of freedom. The design accounted for the following: (1) the diameter of the femoral head, (2) range of motion of the wrist joint of the operator, (3) ease of assembly of modular parts, and (4) material stiffness and durability. The developed device is composed of three parts: a pistol-shaped hand-held unit, forceps module, and end-effector module, all of which were constructed using polyamide-imide. Experiments were conducted to characterize the range of motion, pushing force, and lateral stiffness of the end-effector. Seven consulting surgeons evaluated the performance of the device in arthroscopic hip model and cadaveric studies in comparison with that of a conventional linear grasper. The experimental results show that the developed device can perform tasks that conventional linear graspers cannot. A specialized end-effector device was developed for hip arthroscopy where a high degree of stiffness is required. The end-effector module is interchangeable based on the required outer diameter, and it is also reusable after sterilization at high temperature.