Methods and systems for enhanced medical procedure visualization

Abstract

The present invention employs image intensification for medical procedures within the human body. Methods and systems of the invention utilize infrared radiation (e.g. greater than about 750 nm) illumination and visualization of a surgical treatment area Preferred methods and systems of the invention incorporate use of an infrared radiation visualization system which may be known as “night vision” systems.

1 . A system for viewing an ophthalmic surgical area in a human eye on which surgery is or will be performed, or for viewing the ophthalmic surgical area otherwise being examined by a medical professional, comprising:
 an infrared radiation source apparatus to direct infrared radiation at the ophthalmic surgical area having wavelength(s) in the range of from about 800 nm to about 850 nm and in the substantial absence of visible light having a wavelength of less than about 800 nm;   a night vision viewing apparatus comprising an image intensifier tube configured to amplify light in real-time and a detector apparatus receiving infrared radiation generated by the infrared radiation source apparatus that is reflected from the ophthalmic surgical area;   a display apparatus configured to display an anatomical tissue surface image of the ophthalmic surgical area using only the infrared radiation generated by the infrared radiation source apparatus that is reflected from the ophthalmic surgical area to view the ophthalmic surgical area at wavelength(s) in the range of from about 800 nm to about 850 nm while performing an ophthalmic-procedure; and   a dye configured for application to the surgical site, the dye selected from the group consisting of a cyandine dye, a naphthalocyanine dye, a phycobiliprotein dye, a green fluorescent protein, a fluorescein dye, a metal complex dye, a metalized azo dye, and an isoindole dye.