Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging System for Neurosurgical Procedures: Development, Implementation, and Prospects
Anton Konovalov1,2, Fedor Grebenev1,2, Dmitry Stavtsev2,3, Igor Kozlov2,3, Gennadii Piavchenko2, Dmitry Telyshev2,3, Andrey Galyastov2,3, Anastasia Gorina2,3, Igor Meglinski2,4, Sergey Kuznetsov2, Alexander Gerasimenko3, Dmitry Okishev1, Yury Pilipenko1, Shalva Eliava1; 1Burdenko Neurosurgical Center, Moscow, 2I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 3National Research University of Electronic Technology, Moscow, 4College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
Anton N. Konovalov, PhD (Medicine), Research Scientist, 3rd Neurosurgical Department (Vascular Neurosurgery), Burdenko Neurosurgшcal Center, Moscow, Russian Federation
Senior Researcher , Institute for Bionic Technologies and Engineering, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
Abstract
Introduction:
In neurosurgery, accurate visualization of tissue perfusion and cerebral vessel patency is crucial for minimizing risks and achieving optimal surgical outcomes. While traditional imaging methods are effective, they often lack real-time feedback on tissue perfusion. The Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) system offers an innovative solution, enabling dynamic visualization of blood flow in tissues, significantly enhancing the precision and safety of surgical procedures.
Purpose:
The goal of this study was to develop an LSCI system for a neurosurgical microscope and to evaluate the effectiveness of the real-time LSCI method for monitoring blood flow in standard cerebrovascular surgical scenarios modeled on phantom and animal models.
Materials and Methods:
The LSCI system was developed considering the features of standard neurosurgical microscopes. The LSCI system include a 785 nm laser diode, a CMOS camera, and custom-developed software for image processing. The laser was attached to the Zeiss Pentero 900 microscope using a custom-made mount. The camera was mounted to the side port of the microscope through a special adapter (Figure 1). Experiments were conducted on phantom models simulating the optical properties of biological tissues, as well as on ex vivo tissue samples. Additionally, the system was tested in real neurosurgical procedures on ovine models, allowing for the evaluation of its clinical applicability and integration into the surgical process.
Results and Discussion:
The LSCI system has been attached to an neurosurgical microscope to provide real-time images of blood flow during neurosurgical surgery.The system demonstrated a strong correlation between speckle contrast and actual blood flow parameters, confirming its accuracy. A significant aspect of this work was the development of image processing algorithms that ensured the system's stability against motion and minimized artifacts.
Conclusion:
The introduction of the LSCI system into clinical practice represents a significant advancement in intraoperative imaging. The system enables neurosurgeons to rapidly assess tissue conditions, which can substantially improve surgical accuracy and patient outcomes. Future plans include continued clinical trials and technology optimization to expand its application in neurosurgery and other areas of medicine.
Speaker
Anton Konovalov
Burdenko Neurosurgical Center (Moscow), and I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Moscow) and National Research University of Electronic Technology (Moscow)
Russia
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