Novadaq Technologies, Inc.

Novadaq Technologies Ulc

Xillix Technologies Corporation

Stryker Corporation

Joachim W Boehm

John J P Fengler

Richard W Cline

Paul Roald Westwick

John P Fengler

A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source for producing white light, fluorescence excitation light, or fluorescence excitation light with a reference reflectance light. An endoscope directs light to illuminate a tissue sample and collects reflected light or fluorescence light produced by the tissue. A camera includes a high sensitivity color image sensor having a plurality of pixel elements. Each of the pixel elements has an integrated filter configured to block reflected excitation light from reaching the pixel elements and allow fluorescence and reflectance light to reach the pixel elements. A processor receives image signals from the image sensor, combines image signals from a first group of pixel elements to form a first image formed by fluorescence light, and combines image signals from a second group of pixel elements to form a second image formed by reflectance light. A video monitor simultaneously superimposes the first and second images.

Compact fluorescence endoscopy video system

A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

A system for performing short wavelength imaging with a broadband illumination source includes an image processor that receives signals from a color image sensor. The image processor reduces the contribution of red illumination light to an image by computing blue, green, and blue-green (cyan) color components of display pixels from the signals received from the image sensor. The blue, green, and cyan color component values are coupled to inputs of a color monitor for display to produce a false color image of the tissue.

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Vancouver, Canada

Joachim W Boehm