Field Stop Fluorescent Indicator System and Method

Abstract

An endoscopic imaging system for imaging a fluorophore in a patient's body, the system having an endoscope that has: a first optical channel that transmits light from a first light source and a second light source, the first light source having an excitation wavelength and the second light source having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the first light source; a field stop having a fluorescent indicator; and a second optical channel that is in optical communication with the first light source and in optical communication with the fluorescent indicator on the field stop. The fluorescent indicator is detectable when the light from the first light source irradiates the fluorescent indicator on the field stop. An image processing component used with the endoscope can identify the presence or absence of the fluorescent indicator and transmit information to a user.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Endoscopic / arthroscopic imaging systems provide a view of the body area being operated on to the surgeon without having to fully open the area, thus allowing for less invasive surgical procedures. In fluorescence-based imaging systems, a fluorescence visualization agent, such as indocyanine green (ICG), is administered to the patient during the imaging procedure, and near-infrared (NIR) imaging is used to obtain fluorescence-based images. Fluorescence-based imaging systems have a dedicated light source and a specially adapted camera system to expand the spectrum of diagnostic options and enable perfusion assessment of organs and tissues. During fluorescence-based imaging procedures, the imaging system requires dedicated instrumentation depending on the fluorophore used, as different fluorophores have different emission / excitation curves. The viewing instrument, camera, emission source, excitation source, light guide, firmware, and software must all work in concert to display and / or optimize fluorescence-based images.

[0002] If the system is not set up correctly, for example, if the viewing instrument is attached incorrectly or the light guide is attached incorrectly, the procedure may be delayed, resulting in poor patient outcomes. Delays may also occur in the procedure if the software is not operating properly or if the excitation source (e.g., a laser excitation source) is not working. Troubleshooting errors during the procedure causes undesirable delays because user error and / or system failure may be the root cause of the malfunction, and sorting out the error can be time-consuming. Current fluorescence-based imaging systems experience errors and procedure delays due to incorrect software and / or system settings selected by the physician for fluorescence-based imaging.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system that allows a user / physician to identify the endoscope and determine the system parameters for a surgical imaging system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, an endoscope and an endoscopic imaging system, as well as methods for use in surgical fluorescence imaging systems, particularly for endoscopic and arthroscopic surgical procedures, are provided. More specifically, a coding system for a surgical device is provided, the surgical device requiring dedicated instrumentation for fluorescence-based visualization (e.g., ICG-based visualization) or other formulations having a dedicated emission / excitation curve that require dedicated instrumentation and / or wavelength emission calibration.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an endoscopic imaging system for imaging a fluorophore in a patient's body includes an endoscope. The endoscope includes a first optical channel that transmits light from a first light source and a second light source, the first light source having an excitation wavelength and the second light source having a wavelength different from the first wavelength. The endoscope also has a field stop with a fluorescent indicator. The endoscope also has a second optical channel that is in optical communication with the first light source and in optical communication with the fluorescent indicator on the field stop. The field stop and the fluorescent indicator are in optical communication with the second optical channel and the first light source to "back-illuminate" the fluorescent indicator on the field stop. When the light from the first light source irradiates the fluorescent indicator on the field stop, the fluorescent indicator on the field stop is recognizable (e.g., detectable) by a user of the endoscope.

[0006] The fluorescent indicator on the field stop may include dots. The fluorescent indicator on the field stop may be the same fluorophore as the fluorophore imaged in the patient's body. The fluorescent indicator on the field stop may be a different fluorescent compound from the fluorophore imaged in the patient's body, but may have excitation and emission spectra that overlap with the fluorophore imaged in the patient's body. The fluorescent indicator may be indocyanine green, and the first light source may have an excitation wavelength in the near-infrared light. The fluorescent indicator may be a fluorescent compound having excitation and emission spectra that overlap with indocyanine green.

[0007] In one embodiment, an endoscopic imaging system for imaging a fluorophore in a patient's body includes an endoscope having a first optical channel for transmitting light from a first light source and a second light source. The first light source has an excitation wavelength and the second light source has a wavelength different from the first light source. A field stop with a fluorescent indicator is positioned in optical communication with a second optical channel that is in optical communication with the first light source. A camera head coupleable to the endoscope is configured to generate image data including image data from the field stop. A camera control unit coupleable to the camera head is configured to (i) receive image data from the camera head and (ii) detect the presence of the fluorescent indicator and transmit an error message to a user in the event that the fluorescent indicator is not detected.

[0008] The camera control unit can automatically adjust the operating settings of the camera head according to an endoscope coupled to the camera head and identified by a fluorescent indicator on the field stop. The camera control unit can automatically adjust the operating settings of the camera control unit according to an endoscope coupled to the camera head and identified by a fluorescent indicator on the field stop. The camera control unit can automatically adjust one or more of the differences between the first or second light sources, the fluorescence intensity, and the camera optics according to an endoscope coupled to the camera head and identified by a fluorescent indicator on the field stop.

[0009] Light of a first wavelength can be configured to image a fluorescent agent applied to a patient and provide information about the fluorescent agent in the patient to the camera control unit, and light of a second wavelength can be configured to image the body surface of the patient. Light from the first light source can have an excitation wavelength in the near-infrared light and can be configured to image an indocyanine green-based fluorescent agent applied to the patient, providing information about the indocyanine green-based fluorescent agent in the patient to the camera control unit; and light of the second wavelength is configured to image the body surface of the patient. The second light source can emit light at a wavelength within the visible range.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system further has a memory coupled to the camera control unit, wherein the camera control unit obtains endoscope usage information from the memory. In other embodiments, the system further has a display device coupled to the camera control unit, wherein the display device displays information about an endoscope identified by a fluorescent indicator on the field stop.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a method of transmitting endoscope information from an endoscope having a field stop to a user in an endoscope imaging system is provided. The method includes first providing an endoscope having a field stop, wherein a fluorescent indicator is located on the field stop. A camera head is coupled to the endoscope. The camera head generates image data including the fluorescent indicator located on the field stop. The image data is transmitted from the camera head to the camera control unit. The image data is analyzed to detect the fluorescent indicator, thereby identifying the endoscope coupled to the camera head. The system can verify whether the endoscope is suitable for use with one or more of the first light source, the second light source, and the camera head. The system can also transmit to the user whether the endoscope is suitable for use with one or more of the first light source, the second light source, and the camera head. The system can also modify one or more parameters of the endoscope or the system based on the identified endoscope. The system can also calibrate the fluorescence intensity in the endoscope imaging system based on detecting the fluorescent indicator located on the field stop.

[0012] These and other features are described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The features, aspects, and advantages will be better understood in conjunction with the following description, the appended claims, and the drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram of an endoscope having a fluorescent indicator embedded in the field stop according to one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2A , 2B , 2C, and 2D illustrate various embodiments of a field stop having a fluorescent indicator that can be used with the Figure 1 illustrated endoscope;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an endoscopic imaging system that can be used with the Figure 1 endoscope;

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a camera control unit and a camera head that can be used with the Figure 3 system; and

[0018] Figure 5 is a block diagram according to another embodiment showing an example of how to obtain endoscopic information with a fluorescent indicator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which by way of illustration show specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the features of the various embodiments may be combined with features in other embodiments.

[0020] According to an embodiment, an endoscope, an endoscopic imaging system, and a method are provided, in which a fluorescent indicator is embedded in the field stop of the endoscope. The fluorescent indicator is illuminated from the back by a light source from a second channel. Thus, the wavelength emission embedded in the endoscope identifies the endoscope and alternately allows for fluorescence intensity calibration in the system. With the fluorescence wavelength emission of the system embedded in the observation instrument, the visualization system has a reference point from which the system can be automatically calibrated, and the fluorescence intensity of the real-time scene can be measured without user input. Since this calibration is performed at the input of the visualization system, differences in light guides, laser sources, and camera optics can all be calibrated to obtain optimal performance. The endoscope and the fluorescence imaging system have features that can indicate the correct system configuration to the user, minimize the risk of incorrect system configuration, and improve patient outcomes. In addition, the automatic calibration of the fluorescence intensity measurement of the system improves the imaging quality and system performance.

[0021] Now referring to Figure 1 and Figures 2A - 2D , a diagram showing an endoscope 10 having a field stop 100 according to an embodiment is shown, where a fluorescent indicator 102 is located in the field stop 100. The fluorescent indicator 102 on the field stop is detectable when irradiated (e.g., excited) by a light source of an appropriate wavelength, and then the fluorescent indicator is imaged and processed, and then used to identify the endoscope 10. Alternatively, if the system is set up incorrectly, such as the observation instrument, light guide, or laser source being incorrect, the system can notify the user.

[0022] As Figure 1 shown, the endoscope 10 includes a first optical channel having a first light source 12 and a second light source 13. The first light source 12 has a near-infrared wavelength, and the second light source has a wavelength different from that of the first light source. The field stop 100 is positioned at the end of the endoscope 10. The first light source 12 is split into two channels, with the first light source in the first optical channel 12a and the first light source in the second optical channel 12b. The light from the first light source is transmitted through the second optical channel 12b to the fluorescent indicator 102 on the field stop 100.

[0023] Preferably, the first light source 12 is at a first wavelength in the near-infrared NIR and is configured to image a fluorescent agent applied to a patient, such as internal organs and blood perfusion therein, from the light source in the first optical channel. The light source 12 is also configured to excite the fluorescent indicator 102 through the second optical channel.

[0024] The second light source 13 at the second wavelength can be a light source in the visible range and is configured to image the body surface of the patient. Preferably, the first light source 12 and the second light source 13 are configured to image the patient simultaneously through the first optical channel.

[0025] Referring again toFigures 2A - 2D , showing different embodiments of the field of view diaphragm 100. The field of view diaphragm 100 on the endoscope 10 controls unwanted stray light. The field of view diaphragm 100 creates a circular aperture in the field of view. The field of view diaphragm 100 can be a small black metal mask, where the fluorescent indicator 102 is placed at a specific position in the optical path of the second channel inside the endoscope 10.

[0026] The fluorescent indicator 102 on the field of view diaphragm can have various shapes, such as a dot (circular or oval), square, star, rhombus, or slit, and the shape can be used to further identify the endoscope 10. When the user enters the fluorescence mode of the system and the image processing checks whether the field of view diaphragm emits the fluorescent indicator, the fluorescent indicator 102 is illuminated from the back by the excitation light from, for example, an optical fiber channel. For example, in the case of indocyanine green (ICG), a green dot indicates the correct configuration. If the system does identify the presence of the fluorescent indicator by color and / or shape, the endoscope is incorrectly configured, and the system can provide the user with further information for troubleshooting.

[0027] Although the fluorescent agent indocyanine green (ICG) is mentioned herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, other fluorescent agents are envisioned, such as other rhodamines and cyanine-based fluorescent agents or fluorescent nanoparticles. Preferred fluorescent agents are approved for medical use and can be administered to the patient to observe blood perfusion from the endoscope. Additionally, although near-infrared light has been referred to as the excitation light herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, depending on the excitation wavelength of the selected fluorescent agent, other wavelengths of excitation light are envisioned, such as ultraviolet light.

[0028] Additionally, the fluorescence indicator 102 is not limited to the same fluorophore used in the patient procedure. Other "backlight" fluorescent materials can be used to emit the desired wavelengths in the field stop. In some embodiments, the fluorescence indicator 102 on the field stop 100 is the same fluorescent compound as the fluorophore imaged within the patient. In one embodiment, ICG is administered to the patient for imaging the patient, and the fluorescence indicator 102 on the field stop 100 is also ICG. In other embodiments, the fluorescence indicator 102 on the field stop 100 is a fluorescent compound different from the fluorophore imaged within the patient, but the fluorescent compound on the field stop 100 has excitation and emission spectra that overlap with the fluorophore imaged within the patient. In an embodiment, ICG is administered to the patient for imaging, but the fluorescence indicator 102 located on the field stop 100 is a second fluorescent compound whose emission / excitation curve is similar (overlaps) to the emission / excitation curve of ICG for identification and calibration. For example, the second fluorescent compound has an excitation maximum at 788 nm and an emission maximum at 813 nm ± 8 nm. In some embodiments, the fluorescence indicator 102 is a second fluorescent compound that is photostable and thermostable and does not degrade or degrades minimally over time. The fluorescence indicator 102 is embedded within the field stop 100 and may include additional compounds to stabilize the fluorescence indicator 102 against thermal degradation, time, and / or photodegradation. Additionally, the fluorescence indicator 102 can be encapsulated within the field stop 100 with a material that permits optical communication with the light source 12a and imaging by the system 200, but does not interfere with the fluorescence emission of the fluorescence indicator 102 and subsequent imaging and detection of the field stop 100 and fluorescence indicator 102.

[0029] Now referring Figure 3 and Figure 4 , an endoscopic imaging system 200 for imaging a fluorophore within a patient is shown. The endoscope 10 includes a field stop 100 having a fluorescence indicator 102 as described herein and a first light source and a second light source (12, 13). As Figure 3 shown, the endoscopic imaging system 200 has at least one endoscope 10 that can be connected to a camera head 14. The camera head 14 can be connected to a camera control unit 16 ("CCU"). The camera head 14 and the camera control unit 16 can be connected via wires or wirelessly. The camera control unit 16 can also be connected to at least one input device 18, such as a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, or touchscreen monitor. Additionally, the camera control unit 16 can be connected to a display 20. The camera head 14 generates image data including image data from the field stop. The camera control unit 16 is configured to receive image data from the camera head 14, identify the endoscope 10 from the fluorescence indicator 102, or transmit an error message to the user when the fluorescence indicator 102 is not identified or is identified as incompatible with the system 200.

[0030] The camera control unit 16 receives image data from the camera head 14, which includes an image of at least a portion of the field stop 100. The fluorescent indicator 102 can be identified by an image processing algorithm that scans the field stop image data received from the camera head 14 to identify the fluorescent indicator 102 on the field stop 100 using the contrast of the pixels in the field stop image. In some embodiments, in addition to identifying the fluorescent indicator 102 on the field stop image, the approximate known location and / or shape of the fluorescent indicator 102 can be used to identify the field stop 100, which is then associated by the processing algorithm with information about the endoscope 10.

[0031] In some embodiments, pixels in the field stop 100 are extracted from the image data. The pixels are then analyzed for the presence of the fluorescent indicator 102. Optionally, the expected location of the fluorescent indicator 102 can be determined by other features of the aperture mask, such as visual markers in the edges of the field stop 100.

[0032] According to another embodiment, once the endoscope 10 is identified from the fluorescent indicator 102 on the field stop 100, the system 200 automatically adjusts the operating settings of the camera head 14 and / or the camera control unit 16 according to the endoscope 10 coupled to the camera head 14 to calibrate or optimize the settings of the system 200. In an embodiment, after the user engages the system, the system 200 receives information about the fluorescent indicator 102. For example, the system detects the ICG emission signal, and the system 200 automatically calibrates the ICG intensity of the real-time scene of the camera head 14. The system 200 can also automatically calibrate to compensate for differences in the light guide, the light source, and / or the camera optics, thereby achieving the best performance of the system.

[0033] As Figure 3 shown, the camera head 14 has an imaging device 22, which can include NTSC / PAL, single-chip, three-chip, standard definition, high definition, ultra high definition, CCD, and CMOS devices. The camera head can also have an illumination system 24. The camera head 14 can also have a memory for storing camera data, camera control unit processed data, or other information. The camera head 14 can also have a user input device, such as a button for controlling aspects of image capture.

[0034] As Figure 4As shown, the camera control unit 16 includes a microprocessor 26 for interfacing with the user input device 18, a signal processing circuit 28, a signal formatting circuit 30, a digital-to-analog converter 34, and a memory 36. The camera control unit 16 runs application programs that provide a variety of capabilities. For example, the camera control unit 16 can provide a real-time feed of the images generated by the camera head 14 for display via the display 20. Additionally, the camera control unit 16 can provide an image capture function, allowing the images generated by the camera head 14 to be saved to a storage device, such as an internal storage device 38 or a storage device external to the camera control unit 40. The captured images can be annotated and / or edited and displayed via the display 20.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the camera control unit 16 also has at least one network interface 42, which can be a wired interface, such as Ethernet, or a wireless network connection that allows the camera control unit to access a network. Optionally, the network interface 42 allows the camera control unit 16 to access the Internet and servers for storing and processing information.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the external storage device 40 can be incorporated into the system 200. For example, a flash storage device or a hard disk storage device can be incorporated into the system 200 and connected to the camera control unit 16 via a USB connection 44 or a FireWire connection (not shown). In another embodiment, program applications for the camera control unit or data related to a specific patient, surgeon, or endoscope are stored on the external storage device 40 and can be used to quickly configure the camera control unit for future sessions. Preferably, the camera control unit 16 can save images and videos in different formats to different locations (e.g., internal memory, external memory, or a remote location via the Internet). Additionally, the external storage device 40 can be a server and can be connected to the network interface 42 of the camera control unit.

[0037] Now referring to Figure 5 , embodiments of a method for transmitting endoscope information from an endoscope having a field-of-view diaphragm to a user in an endoscope imaging system will now be described. Initially, an endoscope having a field-of-view diaphragm with a fluorescent indicator is coupled to the camera head, block 310. Next, image data, such as fluorescence data, such as emission maxima or emission spectra, or other differences in pixelation of the field-of-view diaphragm, is generated by the camera head including the fluorescent indicator located on the field-of-view diaphragm, block 312. This can be automatic or user-initiated. The image data is then transmitted from the camera head to the camera control unit, block 314. Then, at block 316, the image data is analyzed to detect the fluorescent indicator to identify the endoscope coupled to the system, block 318. Then, the system including, for example, the endoscope, the camera, and the light source is verified, block 320.

[0038] Endoscopic information can also be used to prevent the use of incompatible endoscopes. For example, if an observation instrument that has not been verified for use with a given camera system is used, the camera control unit 16 can display a warning to the user on the display 20. Endoscopic information can also be used to identify whether the system settings are incorrect, for example, the observation instrument or the light guide is incorrect, and to convey an error message or a system failure indication to the user, block 322. Alternatively, if the system is correctly verified, block 320, the system indicates system verification to the user, block 324. System verification can be a combination of various indicators or indicators (such as a display screen communicated to the user), or a lighting system that indicates, for example, correct system settings or system errors. The system can indicate an overall error or isolate an error in one or more components of the system (such as the first light source, the second light source, and / or the camera head).

[0039] Once the endoscopic information is obtained, the endoscopic information can be used to optimize and calibrate one or more parameters of the endoscope or the system, block 326. For example, reference image processing, light settings, or display settings in the memory of the camera control unit or in the memory accessible by the camera control unit can be used to optimize and calibrate the system. Image processing, light settings, or display settings can be automatically implemented by the camera control unit. Additionally, for example, an image for a specific endoscope can be automatically magnified to a predetermined magnification. Furthermore, for example, the operating settings of the camera head can be automatically adjusted for a specific endoscope. Additionally, for example, the optimal light source settings, such as fluorescence intensity, can be automatically selected for a specific endoscope.

[0040] In addition, the camera system can record and present usage statistics on which surgeries use the endoscope and for how long. This data can be stored in a storage device accessible by different camera control units so that the data can be updated when a specific endoscope is used with different camera heads and camera control units at different locations. This data can help surgeons keep a record of the endoscopes used in each procedure. The reliability of the endoscope can be tracked more accurately. Manufacturing, sales, and design can benefit from data on the most commonly used products, rather than relying on sales history.

[0041] Endoscopic usage information is beneficial because the usage time can affect the reliability and health of the endoscope. Once the endoscope is identified, target calibration can be used to measure the health of the endoscope. For example, the optimal light and exposure settings for a given type of endoscope can be compared with the light and exposure settings used with the actual endoscope to determine whether the endoscope is operating normally. The data can also be used to determine the health of different camera heads. For example, if the same endoscope is used with different camera heads and the usage requires very different light and exposure settings, it may be necessary to investigate the camera heads.

[0042] The described endoscope, endoscope imaging system, and method are advantageous because for the fluorescence imaging system to operate properly, each component of the system, such as the endoscope, camera, excitation source, light guide, firmware, and software, must work in concert to display useful fluorescence-based images, such as ICG images. As described herein, the endoscope can be identified based on the fluorescence information encoded in the field of view aperture, notifying the user that the settings are incorrect prior to the patient procedure delay. Identifying user errors and / or system malfunctions prior to the patient procedure greatly improves the user experience and patient outcomes. Another advantage is that the intensity of the wavelength emission embedded in the endoscope can be controlled, and fluorescence intensity calibration of the imaging system can be permitted, such as ICG or other fluorophore intensity calibration. When the fluorescence wavelength emission is embedded in the endoscope, the visualization system has a reference point from which the system can be automatically calibrated, and the in-situ fluorescence intensity can be measured without user input. Since the calibration is performed at the input of the visualization system, differences in light guides, laser sources, and / or camera optics can all be calibrated for optimal performance.

[0043] A surgical imaging system and method for processing surgical images are disclosed in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, which fully and effectively overcome the disadvantages associated with the prior art. However, it is apparent that variations and modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the principles described herein; and the features of various embodiments can be combined. The presentation of the preferred embodiments herein is provided by way of example and not limitation, where the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. An endoscopic imaging system for imaging a fluorophore in a patient's body, the system comprising an endoscope, the endoscope further comprising: A first optical channel that transmits light from a first light source and a second light source, the first light source having an excitation wavelength and the second light source having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength of the first light source; A field stop having a fluorescent indicator; And A second optical channel that is optically communicable with the first light source and optically communicable with the fluorescent indicator on the field stop, Wherein the fluorescent indicator is detectable when the light from the first light source irradiates the fluorescent indicator on the field stop; The endoscopic imaging system is configured to automatically calibrate the fluorescence intensity in the endoscopic imaging system based on detecting the fluorescent indicator located on the field stop.

2. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent indicator on the field stop comprises dots.

3. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent indicator on the field stop is the same fluorophore as the fluorophore imaged in the patient's body.

4. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent indicator on the field stop is a fluorescent compound different from the fluorophore imaged in the patient's body but having excitation and emission spectra that overlap with the fluorophore imaged in the patient's body.

5. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent indicator on the field stop is indocyanine green and wherein the first light source has an excitation wavelength in the near-infrared light.

6. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent indicator on the field stop is a fluorescent compound having excitation and emission spectra that overlap with indocyanine green.

7. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising: A camera head that is connectable to the endoscope, the camera head being configured to generate image data from the field stop; And A camera control unit that is connectable to the camera head and is configured to: Receive image data from the camera head; Detect the presence of the fluorescent indicator; and Send an error message to the user if the fluorescent indicator is not detected.

8. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 7, wherein the camera control unit automatically adjusts the operating settings of the camera head according to the endoscope connected to the camera head as identified by the fluorescent indicator on the field stop.

9. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 7, wherein the camera control unit automatically adjusts the operating settings of the camera control unit according to the endoscope connected to the camera head as identified by the fluorescent indicator on the field stop.

10. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 7, wherein the camera control unit automatically adjusts one or more of the difference, fluorescence intensity, and camera optics of the first light source or the second light source according to the endoscope coupled to the camera head as identified by the fluorescent indicator on the field stop.

11. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 7, wherein the light of the first wavelength is configured to image the fluorescent agent applied to the patient and provide information related to the fluorescent agent in the patient's body to the camera control unit, and the light of the second wavelength is configured to image the body surface of the patient.

12. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 7, wherein the light from the first light source has an excitation wavelength in the near-infrared light and is configured to image the indocyanine green-based fluorescent agent applied to the patient and provide information related to the indocyanine green-based fluorescent agent in the patient's body to the camera control unit, and the light of the second wavelength is configured to image the body surface of the patient.

13. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the second light source emits light at a wavelength within the visible range.

14. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 7, further comprising a memory coupled to the camera control unit, and wherein the camera control unit obtains endoscope usage information from the memory.

15. The endoscopic imaging system according to claim 7, further comprising a display device coupled to the camera control unit, wherein the display device displays information about the endoscope identified by the fluorescent indicator on the field stop.

16. A method for transmitting endoscope information from an endoscope having a field stop to a user in an endoscopic imaging system, the endoscopic imaging system being the system according to any one of claims 1-15, the method comprising the following steps: Providing an endoscope having a field stop, wherein a fluorescent indicator is located on the field stop; Coupling a camera head to the endoscope; Generating image data including the fluorescent indicator located on the field stop; Transmitting the image data to a camera control unit; And Analyzing the image data to detect the fluorescent indicator so as to identify the endoscope coupled to the camera head.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of verifying whether the endoscope is suitable for use with one or more of the first light source, the second light source, and the camera head.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of transmitting to the user whether the endoscope is suitable for use with one or more of the first light source, the second light source, and the camera head.

19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of modifying one or more parameters of the endoscope or the system based on the identified endoscope.

Images