VISION: versatile image sensor for intra-operative navigation

Residual cancer cells left behind after surgery significantly increase the risk of recurrence in many cancers, particularly prostate and breast, where tumor cells often invade surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. Current imaging technologies struggle to detect these cells, resulting in residual cancer in 20-40% of cases and the need for additional treatments. We introduce VISION (Versatile Chip-Scale Imager for Single-Cell Intraoperative Optical Navigation), a novel imaging platform that improves surgical precision. VISION is a thin, planar, fluorescent imaging system integrated with robotic or laparoscopic tools, enabling real-time, single-cell-level imaging during surgery. VISION’s core innovation is its ultra-thin (300 µm), scalable (~10 cm²), planar molecular imaging layer, developed with advanced integrated circuit technology. Key features include microfabricated collimators that eliminate lenses, a custom multicolor filter, micron-level proximity for enhanced sensitivity, and a low-noise, high-speed imager. We demonstrate its sensitivity in ex vivo prostate tissue samples.