Dye carrier to facilitate fluorescence imaging of tissues in vivo for minimally invasive diagnosis, surgical procedures, and monitoring of disease progression.

Fluorescence microscopy enables the study of molecular and morphologic changes in biological specimens with micrometer resolution, providing valuable diagnostic information. Fluorescence microscopy is difficult to use for examination of living tissue, however, because of the need for close association between microscope instrumentation and the imaged tissue, as well as the high concentration of fluorescent dyes required for microscopy.

A disposable dye carrier attached to imaging instruments allows physicians to diagnose tissue without extracting tissue from the body. The carrier consists of a foam-hydrogel composite filled with fluorescent dye. The carrier releases the dye to diffuse throughout the tissue to a depth of 1 mm. Dye release is controlled by the composition of the carrier. The carriers are designed to be used with in vivo imaging instruments that send and receive light to and from the dye to enable live tissue imaging during diagnostic and surgical procedures. The images provide clinicians with a map of the tissue microstructure.

Concept

• Facilitates in vivo imaging of tissue microstructure for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and research.
• Improves signal-to-noise ratio of fluorescence microscopy.
• Enables minimally invasive imaging of tissue.
• Enhances treatment plans and improves patient outcomes by providing clinicians with more information regarding the disease.

Huang, C., Kaza, A.K., Hitchcock, R.W., Sachse, F.B. (2014). Local delivery of fluorescent dye for fiber-optics confocal microscopy of the living heart. Frontiers in Physiology. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00367

Publication Number: US-2011-0301438-A1
Patent Title: Dye Application for Confocal Imaging of Cellular Microstructure
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Huy Tran
(801) 581-7792
huy.tran@utah.edu