A light field fluorescence imaging system for neurosurgery

Compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) imaging techniques utilised in neurosurgery, three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging systems offer enhanced spatial visualisation, providing neurosurgeons with a comprehensive 3D representation of patient anatomy and precise tumour localization. Notably, 3D optical imaging systems facilitate the quantitative assessment of fluorescence, thereby improving the rate of complete tumour resection while minimizing the risk of damage to critical brain structures. As an emerging 3D optical technique, light field imaging presents significant advancements for neurosurgical applications. This technique enables the acquisition of a 3D representation of the surgical field with a single snapshot, allowing surgeons to adjust the focal plane within the captured scene dynamically. This capability enhances the visualisation of critical structures within complex surgical cavities, improving intraoperative decision-making. In this study, a 3D light field imaging system was designed and developed, incorporating an optimized main lens, microlens array, and a sensor, tailored explicitly for intraoperative neurosurgical guidance. The system’s field of view (206.0 × 150.9 mm²) and depth of field (30.0 mm) were optimized to meet neurosurgical requirements and evaluated using Zemax and PlenoptiSign simulations at a working distance of 500 mm. A bench-top customised light field imaging system was constructed and calibrated. By capturing a 1:1 scaled brain phantom, sub-images were generated based on the captured raw image, and a 3D scene of the brain phantom was reconstructed from different perspectives. Furthermore, this report analysed the current system’s limitations and outlined further experimental validation and surface map generation to enhance its clinical applicability in neurosurgical procedures.