Cooling system for the imaging head of a fluorescence imaging device

Abstract

An imaging head (139) for a fluorescence imaging device (100) is proposed. The imaging head (139) includes a heat sink (221). The heat sink (221) is coupled to the working surface (218) of a container (215) via a corresponding seal (236i) so as to define a chamber (230). An illumination unit (206) is positioned on the heat sink (221) outside the chamber (230). An acquisition unit (209) is positioned inside the chamber (230). The acquisition unit (209) is coupled to the opening (227) of the heat sink (221) via a corresponding seal (236i). A fluorescence imaging device (100) equipped with the imaging head (139) is also proposed. Furthermore, corresponding imaging methods and medical methods are proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fluorescence imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] The background of the present invention is described below together with a discussion of related technologies. However, even when the discussion refers to documents, acts, products, etc., it does not imply or state that the discussed technology is part of the prior art or common general knowledge in the field related to the present invention.

[0003] Imaging devices are commonly used in several medical applications to provide a visual representation of a patient's body part even when it is not directly visible. In particular, fluorescence-based imaging devices utilize the fluorescence phenomenon (the phenomenon in which a fluorophore emits fluorescence when irradiated with excitation light) that occurs in fluorophores (also referred to as "fluorophores"). Fluorescence emitted from multiple different positions on the body part can be used to construct a fluorescence image representing the fluorophores present in the body part. For example, a fluorescent agent (one adapted to be immobilized on a specific molecule of a desired target such as a lesion like a tumor after reaching the specific molecule and then subjected to fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) treatment) may be administered to the patient. The representation of the (immobilized) fluorescent agent in the corresponding fluorescence image facilitates the identification (and quantification) of the corresponding target. This information can be used in several medical applications (such as surgical procedures for recognizing the margin (boundary) of a lesion to be excised).

[0004] For this purpose, the imaging device is provided with an imaging head for framing (determining the imaging range) of the body part to be imaged. The imaging head has an illumination unit that provides (fluorescent) excitation light for exciting the fluorophores present in the body part, and an acquisition unit that acquires the fluorescence image thereof.

[0005] The imaging head (especially its illumination unit) generates a considerable amount of waste heat (as a byproduct of its operation). However, excessive heating of the imaging head negatively affects its performance. In particular, excessive heating of the illumination unit causes diffusion of the excitation light properties (such as radiated power and wavelength), which can result in considerable noise in the fluorescence image. Therefore, a cooling system is usually provided to cool the imaging head and maintain its stable (relatively) low temperature (especially the temperature of the illumination unit) to ensure stable illumination.

[0006] However, cooling the imaging head is extremely difficult, especially when used in surgical procedures.

[0007] In particular, operating rooms have special ventilation requirements to prevent infection of surgical cavities that open into body parts, and in many cases, laminar airflow is required in that area. Therefore, it is difficult to use forced air cooling systems (systems that force (cooler) air to flow to the imaging head to replace (hotter) air that has had waste heat transferred by convection). In fact, the proximity of the imaging head to the body part hinders the maintenance of laminar airflow in that surgical cavity.

[0008] Furthermore, the surgical cavity must not come into contact with any non-sterile materials. Therefore, in liquid cooling systems where waste heat is transferred to a (liquid) coolant circulating within the imaging head, there is a risk of infection for the patient. In fact, if there is a leak in the cooling system, the (usually non-sterile) coolant can fall into the surgical cavity. More generally, coolant leakage can pose a safety risk to the patient depending on its toxicity.

[0009] In any case, the cooling system should be of a size and structure that interferes as little as possible with the handling of the imaging head for framing the body part to be imaged.

[0010] Patent Document 1 (Korean Published Patent No. 101436543) discloses a fluorescence imaging system having an LED light source and a camera positioned in a through-hole therein. A cooling device is provided at the rear end of the LED light source. A controller supplies cooling water to the cooling device via two circulating tubes connected to the controller. However, this cooling device is completely ineffective in cooling the camera and also does not provide protection against potential cooling water leakage. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent No. 101436543 [Overview of the project]

[0012] The present invention is described in the appended claims.

[0013] To provide a basic understanding of the present invention, a simplified summary of the invention is presented. However, the sole purpose of this summary is to explain some of the concepts of the invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the subsequent detailed description, and it should not be interpreted as identifying the main elements of the invention or clarifying the scope of the invention.

[0014] Generally speaking, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​creating a chamber that is sealed by a heat sink.

[0015] In particular, one embodiment provides an imaging head for a fluorescence imaging apparatus. The imaging head comprises a heat sink coupled to a container. The coupling of the heat sink to the container is made via a corresponding seal on the working surface of the container, defining a chamber. Outside the chamber, an illumination unit is positioned on the heat sink. Inside the chamber, an acquisition unit is positioned. The acquisition unit is coupled to the heat sink at an opening in the heat sink via a corresponding seal.

[0016] In a further embodiment, a fluorescence imaging device equipped with the above-described imaging head is provided.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a method for imaging a patient's body part using the above-described imaging head is provided.

[0018] As a further aspect, corresponding medical methods are provided.

[0019] More specifically, one or more aspects of the present invention are described in independent claims, and the advantageous features of such aspects are described in dependent claims. The language of all claims is incorporated herein by reference literally (any advantageous features provided in any particular aspect shall apply mutatis mutandis to all other aspects). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] The following detailed description, to be read in conjunction with the attached drawings, is provided as a non-limiting example, and by referring to them the solutions of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages, will be best understood. For the purpose of brevity, corresponding elements are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, and repetition of their descriptions is omitted where appropriate. The names of each entity are generally used to indicate both their type and attributes (value, content, expression, etc.). In this regard, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to actual size (some details may be exaggerated or simplified), and unless otherwise specified, they are explicitly intended to be used only to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. Furthermore, orientation and related positional criteria (e.g., front, rear, top, bottom, side, lateral, etc.) should be understood in relation to the conditions of use of the corresponding entity.

[0021] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a fluorescence imaging device in which a solution according to one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented is shown. [Figure 2] This shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging head of a fluorescence imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] The exploded view of an imaging head according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] The exploded view of the imaging head according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from another direction is shown.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Particularly referring to FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view of a fluorescence imaging device (fluorescence imaging apparatus) 100 in which a solution according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented is shown.

[0023] The fluorescence imaging device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an "imaging device") 100 applies fluorescence imaging (fluorescence imaging) technology in, for example, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures, and / or surgical procedures, and is used for medical purposes to examine a patient's body part (not shown) during imaging processing (imaging processing). For example, the imaging device 100 is used to assist a surgeon in fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS: Fluorescence Guided Surgery), particularly fluorescence-guided resection (FGR: Fluorescence Guided Resection) related to tumors.

[0024] The imaging device 100 includes the following components.

[0025] The cart 103 houses a power supply unit 106 that supplies power to the imaging device 100 and a control unit 109 that controls the imaging device 100. Four casters 112 (only three casters 112 are shown in the figure) are arranged at corresponding lower corner portions of the cart 103 to facilitate the movement of the imaging device 100 (a foot brake not shown is provided to fix the imaging device 100 at a predetermined position). A support column portion (pillar portion) 115 extends upward from the back surface of the cart 103. A handle 118 for an operator to move the imaging device 100 is provided on the support column portion 115. A cantilever (single-span beam portion) 121 protrudes from the support column portion 115 above the cart 103.

[0026] A main monitor 124 for displaying images to the operator and a keyboard 127 equipped with a pointing device (e.g., mouse or trackball) for the operator to input information and commands are attached to the cantilever 121. A swivel arm 130 is attached to the top of the support column 115 (above the cantilever 121). A secondary monitor 133 for displaying images to a surgeon or other physician is attached to the swivel arm 130 (so that it can rotate in any direction). Also attached to the top of the support column 115 (adjacent to the swivel arm 130) is a multi-joint arm 136. An imaging head 139 for framing (determining the imaging range) of the body part to be imaged is suspended from the multi-joint arm 136.

[0027] For example, the articulated arm 136 comprises two links formed by bars 142 and 145, respectively. Bar 142 is connected at one end to the support column 115 via two rotary joints 148 and 151. The two rotary joints 148 and 151 allow bar 142 to rotate about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, respectively. Bar 145 is connected at one end to the other end of bar 142 via a rotary joint 154. The rotary joint 154 allows bar 145 to rotate relative to bar 142 about a horizontal axis. The support portion of the imaging head 139, formed by a fork 157, is connected at the base (branching point) of the fork 157 to the other end of bar 145 via a rotary joint 160. The rotary joint 160 allows the support portion (fork 157) to rotate about a vertical axis. The imaging head 139 is connected at its central portion to the bifurcated portion (two branching points) of the fork 157 via rotary joints 163i and 163o, respectively. These rotary joints 163i and 163o allow the imaging head 139 to rotate around the horizontal axis (which constitutes the pitch axis of the imaging head 139) relative to the bifurcated portion of the fork 157. Thus, the imaging head 139 has five degrees of freedom. Specifically, the imaging head 139 can translate in space (forward, backward, left, right, and up and down) via rotary joints 148-154, rotate around the vertical axis via rotary joint 160, and rotate around the pitch axis of the imaging head 139 via rotary joints 163i and 163o. The imaging head 139 is provided with two handlebars 166a and 166b for positioning by the operator.

[0028] A heat exchanger, for example, a cooler 169, is further housed within the cart 103. An inlet duct 172i and an outlet duct 172o (partially shown in the figure) circulate a cooling fluid (hereinafter also simply referred to as "coolant") between the cooler 169 and the imaging head 139. The coolant is a substance with a relatively high heat capacity that stores and transfers heat. Preferably, the coolant is in a liquid state (e.g., water). In particular, the inlet duct 172i supplies (pumps) a (relatively low temperature) coolant to the imaging head 139 to cool the imaging head 139 (as will be detailed later), thereby warming the coolant. The outlet duct 172o returns the (warmed, relatively high temperature) coolant to the cooler 169, which removes heat from the coolant (by dissipating it into the external environment). For this purpose, the inlet duct 172i and outlet duct 172o are insulated (to limit heat dissipation) and flexible (to follow the movement of the imaging head 139). For example, the inlet duct 172i and outlet duct 172o pass between the cooler 169 and the support column 115 within the cart 103, through the inside of the support column 115, outside the rotary joints 148, 151 between the support column 115 and the articulated arm 136, through the inside of the bar 142, outside the rotary joint 154 between the bar 142 and the bar 145, through the inside of the bar 145, outside the rotary joint 160 between the bar 145 and the fork 157, and through the rotary joints 163i, 163o between the fork 157 and the imaging head 139. In this way, the cooler 169 can be kept relatively far from the patient during imaging, which has a positive impact on patient safety. This can prevent (or at least substantially reduce) any adverse effects of the cooler 169 on the specific ventilation requirements in the corresponding operating room (e.g., maintaining a laminar flow of air in that area) that are necessary to prevent infection of the surgical cavity opened into a body part, for example, during surgical procedures.

[0029] Next, referring to Figure 2, a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging head 139 (of a fluorescence imaging device) according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] The imaging head 139 is configured to image a scene (image target) contained within the field of view 203 of the imaging head 139 (defined as a portion of the world (spatial domain) within the solid angle to which the imaging head 139 is sensitive). In particular, in the case of surgical procedures, the scene (image target) (not shown) relates to a patient who has been previously administered a fluorescent agent (e.g., a fluorophore adapted to accumulate on a corresponding target (e.g., a tumor)). The scene (image target) includes a body part of the patient in which a surgical cavity (e.g., a small skin incision in minimally invasive surgery) has been opened to expose the lesion to be resected (e.g., a tumor). A main monitor 124 for displaying images to the operator and a keyboard 127 equipped with a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) for the operator to input information and commands are mounted on the cantilever 121.

[0031] The imaging head 139 comprises the following components:

[0032] The illumination unit 206, the acquisition unit 209, and the service components (auxiliary components) 212 define the functional assembly of the imaging head 139 (implementing the functions of the imaging head 139). In particular, the illumination unit 206 is used to illuminate the scene (object to be imaged) in the field of view 203. The illumination unit 206 generates (fluorescent) excitation light and, optionally, white light. The excitation light has a wavelength and energy suitable for exciting a fluorescent agent (e.g., a near-infrared (NIR) type) phosphor. White light, on the other hand, appears substantially colorless to the human eye (e.g., it contains all wavelengths of the spectrum visible to the human eye at equal intensity). The acquisition unit 209 is used to acquire a (digital) image of the scene (object to be imaged) in the field of view 203. The acquisition unit 209 acquires a fluorescence image defined by the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent agent (which then represents the corresponding target within the body part) when the fluorescent agent phosphor is illuminated by the excitation light. In fact, the phosphor transitions to an excited (electronic) state when it absorbs the excitation light. Because the excited state is unstable, the phosphor decays from the excited state to the ground (electronic) state in a very short time, thereby emitting fluorescence at an intensity that depends primarily on the amount of phosphor being illuminated. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 209 may acquire a reflected image (photographic image) defined by visible light reflected by the contents of the field of view 203 illuminated by white light (thus representing what is visible to the human eye within the field of view 203). In particular, the acquisition unit 209 comprises a focusing optical system 209c used to collect light from the field of view 203 and other components used to generate a fluorescence image (reflected image) from the collected light (e.g., a dichroic mirror to split the collected light into fluorescence and visible light, filters to remove residual components of fluorescence and visible light, a fluorescence camera to generate a fluorescence image from fluorescence, a reflection camera to generate a reflected image from visible light, etc.). The focusing optical system 209c is located in the center of the illumination unit 206 (to ensure optimal operation of the imaging head 139). The service component 212 comprises one or more (active or passive) components (e.g., electronic components such as voltage regulators and power switches, fuses, etc.) that support the operation of the lighting unit 206 and the acquisition unit 209.The container 215 (for example, a container made of plastic material) has a working surface 218 for exposing the illumination unit 206 and the acquisition unit 209. In a particular embodiment shown, the container 215 has a bell-shaped (inverted cup-shaped) portion (for example, generally cylindrical) with a (lower) opening (i.e., a cavity for accessing the container 215) formed on its working surface 218. The acquisition unit 209 and the service component 212 are located inside the container 215. The illumination unit 206 is located in the working surface 218 of the container 215 (for example, the opening in the bell-shaped portion), with the focusing optical system 209c penetrating the illumination unit 206. The imaging head 139 has a cooling system for cooling the imaging head 139 (in particular its illumination unit 206, acquisition unit 209, and service component 212).

[0033] In a solution according to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat sink 221 having the form of a heat sink is provided for this purpose. The heat sink 221 is made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum) to transfer heat (as described below). The heat sink 221 has an annular shape (e.g., circular) that fits (matches) the container 215 and the focusing optical system 209c. In particular, the heat sink 221 has a size corresponding to the container 215 at its working surface 218 (e.g., the opening of the bell-shaped portion) and has an outer edge 224o that fits (matches) the container 215. The (e.g., circular) (through) hole 227 corresponding to the focusing optical system 209c is an opening formed in the center of the heat sink 221 and has an inner edge 224i that fits (matches) the heat sink 221. The heat sink 221 is coupled to the container 215 at its working surface 218 (e.g., the opening of the bell-shaped portion) so as to define the chamber 230. The lighting unit 206 is located on the radiator 221 on the outside (lower side in the figure) of the chamber 230. The acquisition unit 209 and service components 212 are located inside the chamber 230, and the focusing optical system 209c operates through the hole 227. Furthermore, an inlet duct 233i and an outlet duct 233o for circulating coolant for the radiator 221 are located inside the chamber 230. In particular, the inlet duct 233i extends from the inlet duct 172i to the radiator 221 and supplies (colder) coolant from a cooler (not shown) to the radiator 221 to cool the radiator 221, thereby warming the coolant. The outlet duct 233o extends from the radiator 221 to the outlet duct 172o and returns the (warmed) coolant to the cooler, which removes heat from the coolant. The outer seal 236o acts between the outer edge 224o of the heat sink 221 and the container 215 at the working surface 218 of the container 215 (e.g., the opening of the bell-shaped portion). Similarly, the inner seal 236i acts between the inner edge 224i of the heat sink 221 (of the hole 227) and the focusing optical system 209c.The outer seal 236o and inner seal 236i help to couple the heat sink 221 to the container 215 and the focusing optical system 209c in such a way that even if a leak occurs in the cooling system in relation to the inlet duct 233i and the outlet duct 233o (for example, along the inlet duct 233i and the outlet duct 233o, and / or at the connection between the ducts 172i, 172o and the heat sink 221), the coolant will not leak out of the container 215. During imaging, the illumination unit 206 and the focusing optical system 209c (and the heat sink 221) are generally oriented downward, either vertically or at an angle. Thus, as described above, at least the lower part of the imaging head 139 (in operation) is sealed to retain the coolant in the chamber 230 even if a leak occurs in the cooling system.

[0034] The above-described structure is very effective in cooling the imaging head 139. In particular, the heat generated by the illumination unit 206 is transferred to the heat sink 221 by conduction and absorbed in the heat sink 221 by the coolant circulating through the heat sink 221. Furthermore, the coolant circulating within the chamber 230 (through the heat sink 221 and ducts 233i, 233o) cools the air enclosed within the chamber 230 by convection and radiation, and this (cooled) air also absorbs the heat generated by the acquisition unit 209 and the service components 212.

[0035] All of the above makes it possible to maintain the temperature of the entire imaging head 139 at a stable (relatively) low temperature, which has a favorable effect on the operation of the imaging head 139 (in particular, the operation of the illumination unit 206 that provides stable illumination of the field of view 203, the operation of the acquisition unit 209 that reduces noise in the fluorescence image, and the operation of the service components 212 that provide the correct operation of these).

[0036] The sealing of the chamber 230 ensures that, even if leakage occurs in the cooling system (ducts 233i, 233o, and / or corresponding connections), no coolant will leak from the chamber 230, at least in the normal orientation of the imaging head 139 during imaging (typically with the illumination unit 206 and focusing optical system 209c facing downwards). This prevents the coolant from falling onto the body part being imaged, avoiding any risk to the patient's health (even if the coolant is toxic), and in particular avoiding the risk of infection in surgical procedures where the coolant (usually non-sterile) may enter the surgical cavity.

[0037] The desired results are achieved in a relatively simple manner. In fact, the heat sink 221 is adapted to the structure of the imaging head 139 (particularly the arrangement and configuration of the illumination unit 206 and the focusing optical system 209c), and furthermore, sealing of the chamber 230 is achieved by utilizing the existing container 215 for the imaging head 139.

[0038] As a further improvement, the imaging head 139 is equipped with one or more (additional) heat sinks 239. In particular, in the specific embodiment shown in the figure, only a single heat sink 239 is coupled to the acquisition unit 209 (for example, in the form of a bush surrounding the acquisition unit 209). The heat sink 239 is also made of a thermally conductive material (for example, aluminum) to transfer heat. The heat sink 239 is coupled to an inlet duct 233i and an outlet duct 233o to circulate coolant to the heat sink 239 as well, with the inlet duct 233i extending from the inlet duct 172i to the heat sink 239 and supplying (colder) coolant from the cooler to cool the heat sink 239, and the outlet duct 233o extending from the heat sink 239 to the outlet duct 172o and returning (directly or indirectly) the (warmed) coolant to the cooler. In particular, in the illustrated example, the inlet duct 233i extends from the inlet duct 172i to the radiator 239, and then from the radiator 239 to the radiator 221. On the other hand, the outlet duct 233o extends from the radiator 221 to the radiator 239, and then from the radiator 239 to the outlet duct 172o.

[0039] Next, referring to Figures 3 and 4, exploded views of the imaging head 139 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown from different directions.

[0040] Figure 3 shows the imaging head 139 in its normal orientation during imaging, with the illumination unit 206 and the focusing optical system 209c facing downwards. As shown in Figure 3, the outer seal 236o and the inner seal 236i are each made of gaskets (e.g., O-rings) and are fitted into corresponding fitting grooves provided on the outer edge 224o and inner edge 224i of the heat sink 221, respectively. The outer gasket (outer seal 236o) and the inner gasket (inner seal 236i) are made of a deformable material (e.g., elastomer). When the imaging head 139 is assembled, the outer gasket (outer seal 236o) and the inner gasket (inner seal 236i) are compressed between the heat sink 221 and the container 215 (partially shown in cross-section), and between the heat sink 221 and the focusing optical system 209c, thereby sealing these interfaces (contact surfaces). This structure is extremely simple yet effective, and furthermore, it allows for the opening and closing of the imaging head 139 (for example, for maintenance work) in a relatively simple manner.

[0041] Inside the chamber 230 are one or more sensors 303a, 303b. Sensors 303a, 303b are electrically connected to the control unit of the imaging device via corresponding cables (not shown). These cables extend from sensors 303a, 303b through the rotary joints 163i, 163o, articulated arms, support columns, and carts (not shown) of the imaging device to the control unit. Sensors 303a, 303b detect the presence of any liquid (particularly coolant) in the chamber 230. For this purpose, each sensor 303a, 303b generates a presence signal when coolant reaches the sensor 303a, 303b (due to a leak in the cooling system). The control unit receives any presence signals from sensors 303a, 303b (for example, by polling queries to sensors 303a, 303b). In response to a presence signal, the control unit enters an alarm state. In particular, the control unit stops the supply of coolant to the imaging head 139 by a cooler (not shown), for example via a corresponding relay. This prevents further supply of coolant to the imaging head 139, thereby limiting coolant leakage. In addition, the control unit cuts off the power to the imaging head 139, for example via a corresponding power switch. This prevents short circuits that could be caused by the coolant. At the same time, the control unit warns the operator by outputting a corresponding message to, for example, one or more monitors (not shown) of the imaging device. This significantly reduces the risk of damage to the imaging head 139 in the event of a cooling system leak. Furthermore, it allows the operator to intervene quickly (for example, by removing the imaging head 139 from the corresponding patient) to ensure the environment is restored.

[0042] Preferably, multiple sensors 303a, 303b are positioned at different locations within the chamber 230 to detect the presence of coolant in multiple corresponding orientations of the imaging head 139. In particular, in this example, the imaging head is translatably movable (with 3 degrees of freedom), rotatable around a vertical axis, and rotatable around a (horizontal) pitch axis through the rotary joints 163i, 163o (see arrow directions in the figure). Furthermore, the imaging head 139 is typically used with the illumination unit 206 and the focusing optical system 209c facing downwards. Therefore, in this case, two sensors 303a, 303b are sufficient to detect coolant leakage in any orientation of the imaging head 139. Specifically, the sensors 303a, 303b are positioned at both ends of the heat sink 221 and extend along the (sensing) direction perpendicular to the pitch axis. In fact, if a leak occurs, the coolant will accumulate on the heat sink 221 due to gravity. When the imaging head 139 is extended vertically, both sensors 303a and 303b detect the coolant. When the imaging head 139 rotates clockwise (in the direction of the arrow in the figure), the coolant accumulates on the right side of the heat sink 221 in the figure and is detected by sensor 303a. On the other hand, when the imaging head 139 rotates counterclockwise (in the opposite direction of the arrow in the figure), the coolant accumulates on the left side of the heat sink 221 in the figure and is detected by sensor 303b. This allows coolant leakage to be quickly detected in its early stages (regardless of the orientation of the imaging head 139).

[0043] The heat sink 221 is provided with a coolant circulation circuit 306. For example, the circulation circuit 306 is formed by a series of connecting pipes (four straight pipes in the illustrated example) connected in series. The circulation circuit 306 extends along the inner surface of the heat sink 221 within the chamber 230. The circulation circuit 306 is attached to the heat sink 221 (for example by screw fastening) and extends from the inlet connector 309i (to which the inlet duct 233i is connected) to the outlet connector 309o (to which the outlet duct 233o is connected). This ensures that the heat sink 221 is well cooled, and at the same time promotes the cooling of the air in the chamber 230 (and consequently, the cooling of the acquisition unit 209 and the service components 212).

[0044] The inlet duct 233i and outlet duct 233o are made of a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum) and extend along at least a portion of the imaging head 139. For example, the inlet duct 233i and outlet duct 233o are connected, respectively, between connectors 309i, 309o on the heat sink 221 (at the lower end of the imaging head 139) and yet another connector 312i, 312o on the rotary joints 163i, 163o (in the center of the imaging head 139). This further promotes the cooling of the air in the chamber 230, and consequently the cooling of the acquisition unit 209 and service components 212.

[0045] The heat sink 221 further includes a small-diameter through-hole 315 defining an opening and a grommet 318 for passing an electrical cable 321 through. The grommet 318 is formed of a deformable material (e.g., elastomer). The grommet 318 is press-fitted into the through-hole 315 (to seal the interface with the through-hole 315) and has a through-hole that traverses the through-hole 315. The width of the through-hole in the grommet 318 is smaller than the cross-section of the cable 321. Therefore, the cable 321 is inserted (press-fitted) under pressure through the grommet 318. This compresses the grommet 318, sealing the interface between the cable 321 and the grommet 318. The cable 321 electrically connects the lighting unit 206 to the control unit (for its power supply and control). For this purpose, the cable 321 extends from the control unit through the cart, support column, articulated arm, rotary joints 163i, 163o, and grommet 318. This allows the illumination unit 206 to be electrically connected to the inside of the imaging head 139. At the same time, the (at least partial) sealing of the illumination unit 206 is maintained, preventing coolant from leaking out of the imaging head 139 in the event of a leak in the cooling system.

[0046] The casing 215 of the imaging head 139 includes a bell-shaped portion 215b, as well as a cap 215c that is attached to the opening 218m of the bell-shaped portion 215b. The cap 215c protects the illumination unit 206 while exposing its functional components (as described later).

[0047] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the imaging head 139. As shown in Figure 4, the illumination unit 206 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (hereinafter also simply referred to as "substrate") 405 (formed by a substrate of an electrically insulating material and one or more track layers of a conductive material). The substrate 405 fits (matches) the heat sink 221 (which has an annular shape in this embodiment). In particular, the substrate 405 has a (through) hole 410 corresponding to a hole 227 that defines an opening in the center of the heat sink 221. A (through) hole 415 that defines an opening for the cable 321 is formed in the substrate 405 at the same radial position as the grommet 318 in the heat sink 221. The substrate 405 is fixed (e.g., by screws) to the outer surface of the heat sink 221 outside the chamber 230 (only partially shown) so as to be coaxial with the heat sink 221 (so that the holes 410 are positioned around the holes 227), and is rotated so that the holes 415 are substantially coaxial with the grommet 318. Multiple (excitation) light sources 420 (e.g., LED-based light sources) supplying excitation light are mounted on the front surface 405f of the substrate 405 (opposite the heat sink 221). For example, the light sources 420 are uniformly arranged in multiple radially extending arrays (eight arrays in the illustrated example, each consisting of four light sources) mounted on corresponding tracks of the substrate 405. Multiple (white) light sources 425 (e.g., LED-based light sources) supplying white light may also be mounted on the front surface 405f of the substrate 405. For example, the light sources 425 are interposed between the arrays of light sources 420. Cable 321, coming from the grommet 318 of the heat sink 221, extends through hole 415 to the front surface 405f of the substrate 405. Cable 321 includes several conductors (not shown), which are connected to corresponding tracks on the substrate 405 (and further to light sources 420, 425).

[0048] The cap 215c comprises a window 430 defining an opening that fits (matches) the hole 227 (at its center), a plurality of windows 435 defining corresponding openings that fit (match) the light source 420, and a plurality of windows 440 defining corresponding openings that fit (match) the light source 425 (around the window 430). The cap 215c is mounted on a bell-shaped portion 215b (partially shown) such that the window 430 is coaxial with the hole 227 (and hole 410), and the windows 435 and 440 are rotated so that they are substantially coaxial with the light sources 420 and 425, respectively. In this way, the cap 215c covers the substrate 405 (in particular its tracks), thereby protecting the substrate 405. At the same time, the windows 435 and 440 expose the light sources 420 and 425, respectively, so that the light sources 420 and 425 can illuminate the field of view of the imaging head 139. Furthermore, the window 430 exposes the focusing optical system 209c (through holes 227 and 410). This allows the window 430 to acquire fluorescence and reflection images of the field of view of the imaging head 139.

[0049] During operation, the imaging head 139 may be enclosed within a sterile drape (not shown). A sterile drape is a single-use (disposable) cover made of a sterile, flexible, transparent material. For example, a (new) sterile drape may be used for each surgical procedure to further reduce the risk of infection for the corresponding patient. At the same time, the sterile drape may be used to wrap the imaging head 139, thereby providing additional protection against coolant leakage.

[0050] [Differentiation] To satisfy local and specific conditions, those skilled in the art can apply numerous logical and / or physical modifications and changes, provided that the invention remains within the scope of the claims. More specifically, while the invention is described in some detail with respect to one or more embodiments, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and modifications in form and detail, as well as other embodiments, are possible. In particular, various embodiments of the invention can be carried out without certain details (e.g., numerical values) described for greater clarity. Conversely, there are well-known features whose descriptions are omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the description by unnecessary details. Furthermore, certain elements and / or method steps described in relation to any embodiment of the invention are explicitly intended to be incorporated into any other embodiment as a general design choice. Moreover, multiple items shown in the same group, and multiple items shown in different embodiments, examples, or alternatives, should not be interpreted as being substantially equivalent to one another, but rather as separate, autonomous entities. In all cases, each numerical value should be read as modified according to the applicable tolerance. In particular, unless otherwise specified, terms such as “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately” should be understood as being within 10%, preferably within 5%, and even more preferably within 1%. Furthermore, each range of numbers should be interpreted as explicitly specifying any possible numerical value along the continuum (including its endpoints) within that range. Ordinal numbers or other modifiers are used merely as labels to distinguish elements with the same name and do not in themselves indicate priority, precedence, or order. Terms such as “include,” “equip,” “possess,” “contain,” and “require” should be interpreted in an open, non-inclusive sense (i.e., not limited to the listed item). Terms such as “based,” “dependent,” “according to,” and “function” should be interpreted as a non-exclusive relationship (i.e., a relationship in which further variables may be involved).Terms without a specified number should be interpreted as one or more items (unless explicitly indicated), and the term “means for” (a term in the means-plus-function form) should be interpreted as any structure adapted or configured to perform the relevant function.

[0051] For example, one embodiment provides an imaging head for a fluorescence imaging device. However, the imaging head may be from any fluorescence imaging device (see below).

[0052] In one embodiment, the imaging head is for imaging (creating images of) a patient's body part in a medical imaging application. However, the imaging head may be used to image any body part of any patient in any medical imaging application (see below).

[0053] In one embodiment, the imaging head is suspended above the patient and used to image parts of the patient's body. However, the imaging head may be configured to be suspended above the patient in any manner (for example, it may be attached to any suspension structure, be handheld, or be an end effector or robotic manipulator of a robotic system).

[0054] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes an illumination unit for illuminating the field of view of the imaging head with fluorescence excitation light. However, the illumination unit may be of any type (e.g., any number and any type of light sources such as LEDs, OLEDs, LECs, lasers, etc., and the light sources may be arranged in any way such as radially or circumferentially, and may or may not have additional white light sources) and may provide any fluorescence excitation light (e.g., NIR, infrared (IR), visible light, etc.).

[0055] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes an acquisition unit for acquiring fluorescence images of the field of view. However, the acquisition unit may be of any type (e.g., it may be based on any imaging optical system, an EMCCD, CMOS, InGaAs, PMT or other sensor, and may or may not be a reflective camera), and may acquire any number and type of fluorescence images (e.g., images of any size and resolution, images at any frame rate, standalone images, or images superimposed on the corresponding reflective images).

[0056] In one embodiment, the imaging head comprises a container having a working surface for exposing an illumination unit and an acquisition unit. However, the container may be of any type (for example, a bell-shaped (inverted cup-shaped) container closed with a cap, a container closed at the top, a container made of two joined hemiscapes, etc., and may be of any material, shape, size, and structure).

[0057] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes a heat sink for dissipating heat. However, the heat sink may be of any type (for example, it may be made of any material, may be of any thickness, and may or may not have fins).

[0058] In one embodiment, the heat sink comprises a plate having an opening, an outer edge, and an inner edge within the opening. However, the opening may be of any type (e.g., of any size, shape, or position), and the outer and inner edges may be of any type (e.g., they may have corresponding grooves or be flat).

[0059] In one embodiment, the radiator is coupled to the container at the working surface of the container to define a chamber. However, the radiator may be coupled to the container in any manner (e.g., by snap-fitting or screwing at any position corresponding to the working surface, such as at the boundary with the working surface or slightly inside) to define any chamber (e.g., a chamber of any shape, any size, fully sealed or partially sealed).

[0060] In one embodiment, the lighting unit is positioned on the heat sink outside the chamber. However, the lighting unit may be positioned on the heat sink in any manner (e.g., by mounting, bonding, soldering, etc., by covering all or part of the heat sink, by completely or partially enclosing the opening of the heat sink, etc.).

[0061] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit is positioned within the chamber so as to operate through the opening. However, the acquisition unit may be positioned within the chamber in any manner (for example, extending along its entire length or only along a portion thereof, extending further laterally or not extending laterally), and may operate through the opening in any manner (for example, flush with the radiator, protruding from the radiator, or recessed into the radiator).

[0062] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes an inlet duct and an outlet duct for circulating a cooling fluid for a heat sink. However, the inlet and outlet ducts may be of any type for circulating any cooling fluid (e.g., liquids such as water, a mixture of water and glycol, or gases, etc.) (e.g., ducts of any size, any cross-section, flexible or rigid, ducts that are routed entirely outside the heat sink or at least partially inside the heat sink along any path).

[0063] In one embodiment, the inlet duct and outlet duct are located within the chamber. However, the inlet duct and outlet duct may be located within the chamber in any manner (for example, extending in any direction and over any range).

[0064] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes an outer seal acting between the outer edge of the radiator and the container, and an inner seal acting between the inner edge of the radiator and the acquisition unit, to prevent the cooling fluid from dripping onto the patient in the event of a leak. However, the outer seal and the inner seal may be of any type (for example, to make the corresponding connection (engagement) liquid-tight or airtight, and implemented by gaskets (O-rings, sheet gaskets, spiral gaskets, etc.), adhesives, glues, etc., respectively).

[0065] Further embodiments provide additional advantageous features; however, these features may all be omitted in the basic implementation. In this regard, the features of each of the following embodiments may be combined with the features described above on their own, or with the features of one or more other embodiments described later.

[0066] In one embodiment, the container includes a bell-shaped portion (inverted cup-shaped portion) having an opening on the working surface. However, the bell-shaped portion (inverted cup-shaped portion) may be of any type (e.g., cylindrical, flared, etc.) and may have any opening (e.g., any shape such as a circle or square at any position).

[0067] In one embodiment, the container includes a cap attached to the opening of the bell-shaped portion. However, the cap may be of any type (e.g., flat, rounded, etc.) and may be attached to the bell in any manner (e.g., screw-fastened, snap-fit, etc.).

[0068] In one embodiment, the cap has an opening that exposes the acquisition unit. However, the opening of the cap may be of any type (for example, it may be the same as or different from the opening of the heat sink).

[0069] In one embodiment, the cap has one or more further openings that expose the lighting unit. However, the further openings of the cap may be of any number and of any type (for example, they may be of any size and shape, may be the same or different from each other, and may be positioned in any location).

[0070] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes one or more sensors placed within the chamber to detect cooling fluid leaks. However, the sensors may be of any number and type (e.g., printed sensors, sensor cables, flow meters, etc.) and may be placed in any location (e.g., on the heat sink, throughout the chamber, or along inlet and outlet ducts).

[0071] In one embodiment, the sensor is placed on a heat sink. However, this placement may be achieved in any manner (for example, the sensor mounted on or near the heat sink).

[0072] In one embodiment, the sensor may be a plurality of sensors positioned at different locations to detect cooling fluid leakage in multiple orientations of the imaging head. However, the number of sensors is arbitrary, and the sensors may be positioned at any location corresponding to any orientation of the imaging head (for example, rotation around any number of axes horizontally or inclined).

[0073] In one embodiment, two sensors may be provided, positioned at both ends of the heat sink along a detection direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the imaging head. However, the detection direction may be of any type (for example, extending laterally, transversely, etc.).

[0074] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes a circulation circuit for a cooling fluid connected to an inlet duct and an outlet duct. However, the circulation circuit may be of any type (e.g., a single fitting element, or extending along any path (dashed line, curve, etc.) formed by any number of interconnected elements).

[0075] In one embodiment, the circulation circuit is provided on a heat sink inside the chamber. However, the circulation circuit may be provided on the heat sink in any manner (e.g., by mounting, bonding, soldering, etc.).

[0076] In one embodiment, the inlet and outlet ducts are configured to extend along at least a portion of the imaging head to cool the air inside the chamber. However, the inlet and outlet ducts may extend along the chamber in any manner (for example, along its entire length or along only a portion thereof, in any path).

[0077] In one embodiment, the imaging head includes one or more additional heat sinks for dissipating heat. However, the additional heat sinks may be of any number and any type (e.g., any material, structure, size, etc.).

[0078] In one embodiment, additional heat sinks are coupled to the inlet and outlet ducts to circulate the cooling fluid. However, the heat sinks and additional heat sinks may be coupled to the inlet and outlet ducts in any manner (e.g., in series and / or parallel configurations, directly to corresponding connectors of the container, or by connecting each heat sink via one or more other heat sinks, or in any order of connection).

[0079] In one embodiment, at least one additional heat sink is positioned to dissipate the heat generated by the acquisition unit. However, the number of heat sinks acting on the acquisition unit is arbitrary, as is the number of other heat sinks acting on different components of the imaging head (e.g., sensors, service components, etc.), and in either case, the number of heat sinks can be reduced to zero. Furthermore, each heat sink acting on the acquisition unit may be of any type (e.g., positioned around the acquisition unit, positioned on the side of the acquisition unit, etc.).

[0080] In one embodiment, the heat sink includes further openings, which may be of any type (e.g., of any size, shape, and position).

[0081] In one embodiment, grommets are provided in further openings. However, the grommets may be of any type (e.g., any shape, size, material, etc.).

[0082] In one embodiment, the grommet is for sealing the passage of at least one electrical cable (wire) connected to the lighting unit. However, the grommet may be for any number of any type of electrical cables (e.g., cables for power supply, transmission of control signals, reception of response signals, etc.). In any case, the possibility of electrical contact with the lighting unit outside the chamber is not ruled out.

[0083] In one embodiment, a fluorescence imaging device is provided for imaging a patient's body part in medical imaging applications, and the fluorescence imaging device comprises the imaging head described above. However, the fluorescence imaging device may be any type (e.g., intraoperative guided surgical device, scanner, etc.) for use in any medical imaging application (e.g., surgery, diagnosis, treatment, etc.).

[0084] In one embodiment, the fluorescence imaging device includes a suspension structure for suspending the imaging head above the patient. However, the suspension structure may be of any type (e.g., a cart, any articulated arm attached to the ceiling or wall, a cantilever, a hook, etc.).

[0085] In one embodiment, the fluorescence imaging apparatus includes a heat exchanger for cooling a cooling fluid. However, the heat exchanger may be of any type (e.g., a cooler, a heat pump, or one using parallel, counter-flow, or DC / AC fluids).

[0086] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger is separated from the imaging head. However, the heat exchanger may be separated from the imaging head in any manner (e.g., in a configuration where it is located inside a cart, or in a configuration where it is located away from a cart).

[0087] In one embodiment, the fluorescence imaging apparatus comprises a further inlet duct (for supplying cooling fluid from the heat exchanger to the inlet duct) and a further outlet duct (for returning the cooling fluid from the outlet duct to the heat exchanger). However, the further inlet duct and the further outlet duct may be of any type (e.g., of any size, any cross-section, flexible or rigid, independent, or passing at least partially inside one or more components of the fluorescence imaging apparatus such as a multi-joint arm, support column, or cart).

[0088] In one embodiment, the fluorescence imaging apparatus includes a control unit. However, the control unit may be of any type (e.g., a microcontroller, a personal computer, etc.).

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit is connected to the sensor. However, the control unit may be connected to the sensor in any manner (e.g., a wired connection, wireless connection, etc., which can be arbitrarily wired).

[0090] In one embodiment, the control unit is connected to a sensor to receive information indicating that a cooling fluid leak has been detected. However, the control unit may receive such detection information in any manner (e.g., by polling the sensor, listening for notifications from the sensor, etc.).

[0091] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to enter an alarm state in response to the detection of a cooling fluid leak. However, the control unit may enter the alarm state in any manner (for example, immediately upon detection by a sensor, after two or more detections have been confirmed, or if any sensor fails to respond). In the alarm state, the control unit may perform any number of actions of any kind (for example, stopping the supply of cooling fluid, turning off the power to the imaging head, outputting visual and / or audible warnings, etc.).

[0092] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to stop the supply of cooling fluid from the heat exchanger to the inlet duct when an alarm is triggered. However, the supply of cooling fluid may be stopped in any manner (e.g., by turning off the heat exchanger, closing further inlet ducts, etc.).

[0093] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to turn off the power to the imaging head when an alarm is triggered. However, the power may be turned off in any manner (for example, automatically or requiring manual confirmation).

[0094] In one embodiment, the suspension structure includes one or more joints (connectors, joints) for rotating the imaging head around a lateral axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (where the sensor extends along a detection direction perpendicular to the lateral axis). However, such a configuration may be achieved by any means (e.g., one or more rotary joints, ball joints, etc.) for rotating the imaging head around any lateral axis (e.g., pitch axis, yaw axis, roll axis, etc.).

[0095] Regardless of whether the imaging head and the fluorescence imaging device have different structures, equivalent components, or different operating characteristics, generally similar considerations apply, as long as they do not depart from the scope of the claims. In any case, all of its components may be separated into multiple elements, or two or more components may be combined into a single element. Furthermore, each component may be duplicated to support the parallel execution of corresponding operations. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, interactions (connections, engagements, etc.) between different components do not generally need to be continuous, but may be direct or indirect through one or more intermediary means.

[0096] In one embodiment, a method is provided for imaging a patient's body part for medical imaging purposes. However, the method may be used to image any body part of any patient (e.g., human, animal, etc.) (e.g., one or more organs, areas or tissues, any pathological and health conditions, etc.) for any medical imaging purposes (see above). In any case, the method may facilitate the physician's work but only provides intermediate results that may be useful to the physician, and the medical act in the strict sense is always performed by the physician himself.

[0097] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of acquiring one or more fluorescence images of a body part using the imaging head described above. However, the number of fluorescence images is arbitrary, and furthermore, the same considerations as described above apply to the corresponding step in the method regarding the characteristics of the imaging head.

[0098] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of outputting a representation of a body part based on a fluorescent image. The representation may be of any type (e.g., a fluorescent image, a combination of a fluorescent image and any reflective image, etc.) and may be output in any manner (e.g., it may be displayed on any device such as a monitor or virtual reality glasses, or more generally, it may be output in real time or offline in any manner such as printing or remote transmission).

[0099] In general, the same considerations apply when the same solution is implemented in an equivalent manner, as long as it remains within the scope of the claims (for example, by using similar steps that have the same function as multiple steps or some of them, by removing some non-essential steps, or by adding further optional steps). Furthermore, the steps of the method may be performed in different orders, simultaneously, or (at least partially) alternately.

[0100] In one embodiment, a medical method is provided. In one embodiment, the medical method comprises the step of imaging a body part of a patient using the method described above. In one embodiment, the medical method comprises the step of performing a medical procedure related to the body part according to the indication of the body part. The medical procedure may be of any type (e.g., any surgical procedure in the broadest sense, such as for curative, preventive, or cosmetic purposes; any diagnostic procedure in the broadest sense, such as for the detection of new lesions or monitoring of known lesions; any therapeutic procedure in the broadest sense, such as for the treatment of pathological conditions, avoidance of their progression, prevention of the occurrence of pathological conditions, or simply for improving the patient's comfort).

Claims

1. An imaging head (139) of a fluorescence imaging device (100) for medical imaging purposes, which is suspended above the patient to image parts of the patient's body, An illumination unit (206) for illuminating the field of view (203) of the imaging head (139) with fluorescence excitation light, An acquisition unit (209) for acquiring a fluorescence image of the field of view (203), A container (215, 215c) having an operating surface (218) for exposing the lighting unit (206) and the acquisition unit (209), A heat sink (221) for dissipating heat, comprising a plate having an opening (227), an outer edge (224o), and an inner edge (224i) of the opening (227), wherein the heat sink (221) is coupled to the container (215) at the working surface (218) so as to define a chamber (230), the lighting unit (206) is positioned on the heat sink (221) outside the chamber (230), and the acquisition unit (209) is positioned inside the chamber (230) so as to operate through the opening (227), An inlet duct (233i) and an outlet duct (233o) for circulating the cooling fluid of the heat sink (221), the inlet duct (233i) and the outlet duct (233o) being located within the chamber (230), An outer seal (236o) acts between the outer edge (224o) of the heat sink (221) and the container (215, 215c), The system includes an inner seal (236i) that acts between the inner edge (224i) of the heat sink (221) and the acquisition unit (209) to prevent the cooling fluid from falling onto the patient if the cooling fluid leaks, Imaging head.

2. The container (215) comprises a bell-shaped portion (215b) having an opening (218m) on the working surface, and a cap (215c) attached to the bell-shaped portion (215b) at the opening (218m). The cap (215c) has an opening (430) for exposing the acquisition unit (209) and one or more further openings (435, 440) for exposing the lighting unit (206). The imaging head according to claim 1.

3. The imaging head (139) includes one or more sensors (303a, 303b) positioned within the chamber (230) to detect leakage of the cooling fluid. The imaging head according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The sensors (303a, 303b) are located in the heat sink (221). The imaging head according to claim 3.

5. Multiple sensors (303a, 303b) are positioned at different locations from each other to detect leakage of the cooling fluid in multiple different orientations of the imaging head (139). The imaging head according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The sensors (303a, 303b) are provided as two sensors (303a, 303b) positioned at both ends of the heat sink (221) in a detection direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the imaging head (139). The imaging head according to claim 5.

7. The imaging head (139) includes a circulation circuit (306) for the cooling fluid connected to the inlet duct (233i) and the outlet duct (233o), The circulation circuit (306) is provided on the heat sink (221) within the chamber (230). An imaging head according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The inlet duct (233i) and the outlet duct (233o) are configured to extend along at least a portion of the imaging head (139) to cool the air inside the chamber (230). The imaging head according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The imaging head (139) is equipped with one or more additional heat sinks (239) for dissipating heat. The further heat sink (239) is connected to the inlet duct (233i) and the outlet duct (233o) to circulate the cooling fluid. At least one of the further heat sinks (239) is arranged to dissipate the heat generated by the acquisition unit (209), The imaging head according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The heat sink (221) is provided with a further opening (315), The further opening (315) is provided with a grommet (318) for sealing the passage of at least one electrical cable (321) connected to the lighting unit (206). The imaging head according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A fluorescence imaging device (100) for imaging a patient's body parts in medical imaging applications, A shooting head (139) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The system comprises a suspension structure (136) for suspending the imaging head (100) above the patient, Fluorescence imaging device.

12. The fluorescence imaging device (100) is A heat exchanger (169) for cooling the cooling fluid separated from the imaging head (139), A further inlet duct (172i) supplies the cooling fluid from the heat exchanger (169) to the inlet duct (233i), The system includes a further outlet duct (172o) for returning the cooling fluid from the outlet duct (233o) to the heat exchanger (169), The fluorescence imaging apparatus according to claim 11.

13. In the case where the imaging head (139) is provided according to any one of claims 3 to 10, The fluorescence imaging device (100) includes a control unit (109) connected to the sensors (303a, 303b) for receiving information detecting leakage of the cooling fluid. The control unit (109) is configured to enter an alarm state in response to the detection of a leak of the cooling fluid. The fluorescence imaging apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. The control unit (109) is configured to stop the supply of the cooling fluid from the heat exchanger (169) to the inlet duct (233i) and / or to stop the power supply to the imaging head (139) when the alarm state is reached. A fluorescence imaging apparatus according to claim 13, which is dependent on claim 12.

15. In the case where the imaging head (139) is provided according to any one of claims 5 to 10, The suspension structure (136) includes one or more joints (163i, 163o) for rotating the imaging head (139) around a lateral axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The sensors (303a, 303b) extend along a detection direction perpendicular to the lateral axis. The fluorescence imaging apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14.

16. A method for imaging a patient's body parts for medical imaging purposes, A step of acquiring one or more fluorescence images of the body part using an imaging head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The system includes the step of outputting a display of the body part based on the aforementioned fluorescence image. method.

17. The steps of imaging a body part of a patient using the method described in claim 16, The step of performing a medical procedure related to the body part based on the indication of the body part, Medical methods.

18. The aforementioned medical procedure is a surgical procedure. The medical method according to claim 17.

Images