| abstract |
This invention is an apparatus for real time imaging of the margins, dimensions and grade of tumor tissue, comprising means for obtaining analog video images and means for processing the analog video signals into an averaged control frame, means for acquiring and analyzing a plurality of subsequent and averaged control frames to provide a difference image, wherein the difference image is processed to account for movement and noise and amplify the changes across a dynamic range of the apparatus, and means for displaying the difference image alone or superimposed over an analog video image. Also, a method for imaging margins, grade and dimensions of solid tumor tissue located in an area of interest, comprising illuminating the area of interest with high intensity, electromagnetic radiation containing the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by a dye, obtaining a video signal of the area of interest as an averaged control image, administering the dye by bolus injection, obtaining a series of video images of the area of interest over time and processing each subsequent image frame, comparing each subsequent image frame with the averaged control image to obtain a series of difference images, and comparing each difference image for evidence of changed absorption within the area of interest. |