Laser fluorescence bronchoscope for localization of occult lung tumors.
A system for imaging occult bronchogenic carcinoma by the fluorescence of previously-injected, tumor-specific compound hematoporphyrin-derivative has been assembled and successfully used to locate a tumor 1 mm thick. The violet excitation source is a krypton ion laser coupled to fused quartz fiber light conductor. An electrostatic image intensifier attached to a standard flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope provides a bright image even at relatively low irradiance. A red secondary filter rejects most reflected background and autofluorescence. Sensitivity and contrast capability of the system should permit detection of a tumor less than 0.1 mm thick.
D020680:Bronchoscopes; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D007726:Krypton; D007834:Lasers; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography
D007726:Krypton