29 - 30 November 2023 | Antwerp, Belgium
Photonics technologies has paved new pathways for cancer research and treatment. The special characteristics of laser light have allowed to use it as the illumination source for early detection of cancers, in combination with photonics sensors, or as a surgical tool for clear cutting and drilling in tissues.
Wouter Charle will have a talk on November 30th 09:45 – 10:00
On-chip spectral imaging, a game-changer for surgical vision
Wouter Charle, Program Manager Spectral Imaging On-chip Technology at imec
Spectral imaging is poised to revolutionize surgical procedures by offering real-time insights into tissue composition during surgery. It will elevate the accuracy and outcome of surgical interventions to unprecedented levels.
Imec introduces on-chip spectral filter technology, enabling highly integrated and compact spectral imaging systems. Leveraging the compact form factor and video-rate capabilities, the filters can be integrated on various CMOS image sensors as required by the application. From either large and high sensitivity CMOS image sensor to tiny grain-sized 3D-stacked image sensors. For this, imec proposes a snapshot spectral image sensing technology ideally suited for integration into a variety of surgical imaging systems, from surgical microscopes, exoscope cameras, proximity cameras for laparoscopy and distal on-tip cameras for endoscopy.
This cutting-edge technology has been used in many surgical and clinical research studies where it was the choice of preference because it is the "only available true snapshot and video-rate capable multispectral sensor”. Applications have included the precise identification of critical tissues during spinal fusion surgery in patients, the assessment of perfusion in colorectal anastomoses using a porcine model and the identification of low-grade glioma during brain surgery on patients.
In this presentation, we will focus on the capabilities of imec's spectral sensor technology for disruptive surgical applications. Imec invites collaborations with any player in the eco-system, such as surgical research groups, medical device companies and compute system developers, eager to harness this spectral technology to shape the future of surgical instruments, ushering in a new era of surgical precision.
Photonics technologies has paved new pathways for cancer research and treatment. The special characteristics of laser light have allowed to use it as the illumination source for early detection of cancers, in combination with photonics sensors, or as a surgical tool for clear cutting and drilling in tissues. The advances in photonics technology have also enabled the development of powerful imaging systems for the visualization of detailed structures, also improving the imaging depth into living tissues. Spectroscopy and other photonics analytical techniques are also widely used in cancer detection, and new point-of-care devices and biosensors have been developed, taken advantage of the great properties of the light to obtain faster, more compact and more reliable devices. Photonics enabled technologies such as Raman, surgical laser, OCT, endoscopy, hyperspectral imaging, photoacoustic tomography, fluorescence… have the potential to introduce new solutions and equipment at hospitals and clinics.
In this meeting we will bring together the full value chain of diagnostic and therapeutic related technologies and devices, used in different oncological diseases. Medical doctors will present the status of the technology and their future needs, as a starting point to discuss with system integrators and laser and photonic devices manufacturers the potential solutions to overcome the existing limitations. The meeting will enable new paths for collaborations as unmet needs meet technology capabilities, and it will help to understand the specific regulations and certifications required for devices used in medical applications.