Imaging device, treatment device, and imaging method

Abstract

An imaging device (1) comprises: an excitation light source (242) that emits excitation light, which excites fluorescent dyes, toward a treatment site of a subject (ST) to whom a drug containing a fluorescent dye has been administered; a first imaging unit (28) that images the treatment site and obtains a visible moving image; a second imaging unit (29) that obtains a fluorescent image when the treatment site has been irradiated with the excitation light by imaging the fluorescence generated from the fluorescent dye at the treatment site; a composite image generating unit (19) that superimposes the fluorescent image on a visible moving image to generate a composite image; and an image display unit (15) that displays the composite image. The excitation light source emits excitation light having a predetermined pulse width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a treatment device, and an imaging method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as one of the methods of cancer treatment, photoimmunotherapy has attracted attention. In this photoimmunotherapy, a therapeutic agent (RM-1929) in which a fluorescent reagent (IR700) and an antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are bound is injected into a subject. When the therapeutic agent is injected into the subject, the antibody binds to the surface of cancer cells. Then, when the subject is irradiated with near-infrared light of about 600 to 700 nm for a predetermined time in this state, heat is generated in the therapeutic agent (RM-1929), cancer cells are destroyed, and the ligand portion, which is a hydrophilic group of IR700, is detached, forming aggregates and quenching (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In such photoimmunotherapy, by detecting the fluorescence derived from the fluorescent reagent (IR700) used, the treatment position and the treatment effect (that is, the progress of the treatment) can be confirmed, so it is important to acquire a fluorescence image during treatment.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in such photodynamic therapy, when near-infrared light is irradiated to confirm the treatment position and treatment effect, there is a problem that the reaction of the therapeutic agent proceeds at the irradiation position, and the treatment is advanced unintentionally. And when the treatment is advanced unintentionally, there also occurs a problem that a sufficient treatment effect cannot be obtained.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging device, a treatment device, and an imaging method capable of accurately grasping a treatment position and a treatment effect without promoting the reaction of a therapeutic agent (that is, without promoting the treatment).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an imaging device including an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light for exciting a fluorescent dye toward a treatment site of a subject administered with a therapeutic agent containing the fluorescent dye, 、 an image display unit that acquires a fluorescence image by imaging fluorescence generated from the fluorescent dye at the treatment site when the excitation light is irradiated, Imaging unit and , fluorescence wherein the excitation light source irradiates excitation light having a predetermined pulse width. Do not proceed with fluorescence treatment A second aspect of the present invention relates to a step of irradiating excitation light for exciting a fluorescent dye toward a treatment site of a subject administered with a therapeutic agent containing the fluorescent dye,

[0008] 、 ​A step of acquiring a fluorescence image by imaging fluorescence generated from a fluorescent dye at a treatment site when excitation light is irradiated , fluorescence A step of displaying an image, and the step of irradiating excitation light relates to Do not proceed with fluorescence treatment An imaging method of irradiating excitation light with a predetermined pulse width.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, an imaging device, a treatment device, and an imaging method capable of accurately grasping a treatment position and a treatment effect without promoting the reaction of a therapeutic agent (that is, without proceeding with treatment) are realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the imaging apparatus and imaging method of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0012] <Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main control system of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an imaging program executed by the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an example of an image displayed on an image display unit provided in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 is referred to as "upper (above)", and the lower side is referred to as "lower (below)".

[0013] The imaging apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for irradiating excitation light to a therapeutic agent (RM-1929) in which a fluorescent reagent (IR700) injected into the body of a subject ST is bound to an antibody of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and photographing the fluorescence emitted from this fluorescent reagent (IR700). By using the imaging apparatus 1, when performing photoimmunotherapy on the subject ST as described later, for example, the treatment position and treatment effect (that is, the progress of treatment) of the subject ST can be confirmed.

[0014] The imaging apparatus 1 includes a cart 11 having four wheels 13, an arm mechanism 30 disposed near the front in the traveling direction of the cart 11 on the upper surface of the cart 11 (the left direction in FIGS. 2 and 3), an illumination / imaging unit 12 disposed on the arm mechanism 30 via a sub-arm 41, and an image display unit 15 which is a monitor. A handle 14 used when moving the cart 11 is attached to the rear in the traveling direction of the cart 11. Further, a recess 16 for mounting a remote control for remotely operating the imaging apparatus 1 is formed on the upper surface of the cart 11.

[0015] Also, as will be described in detail later, when power is input to the imaging device 1, the imaging program is executed (that is, each step shown in FIG. 5 is executed), and a visible image IM1, a fluorescence image IM2, and a composite image IM3 are displayed on the image display unit 15 (FIG. 6).

[0016] The above-described arm mechanism 30 is disposed on the front side in the traveling direction of the carriage 11. This arm mechanism 30 includes a first arm member 31 connected by a hinge portion 33 to a support portion 37 disposed on a support column 36 erected on the front side in the traveling direction of the carriage 11. This first arm member 31 is swingable with respect to the carriage 11 via the support column 36 and the support portion 37 by the action of the hinge portion 33. The above-described image display unit 15 is attached to the support column 36.

[0017] A second arm member 32 is connected to the upper end of the first arm member 31 by a hinge portion 34. This second arm member 32 is swingable with respect to the first arm member 31 by the action of the hinge portion 34. For this reason, as shown by the virtual line marked with reference numeral C in FIG. 2, the first arm member 31 and the second arm member 32 are in a photographing posture in which the first arm member 31 and the second arm member 32 are opened at a predetermined angle around the hinge portion 34 which is the connecting portion between the first arm member 31 and the second arm member 32, and as shown by the solid line marked with reference numeral A in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first arm member 31 and the second arm member 32 are in a standby posture in which they are close to each other.

[0018] At the lower end of the second arm member 32, a support portion 43 is connected to the hinge portion 35. Due to the action of the hinge portion 35, this support portion 43 is swingable with respect to the second arm member 32. A rotating shaft 42 is supported by this support portion 43. And the sub-arm 41 that supports the illumination / imaging unit 12 rotates about the rotating shaft 42 disposed at the tip of the second arm member 32. For this reason, the illumination / imaging unit 12, due to the rotation of this sub-arm 41, as shown by the solid line marked with reference sign A in FIGS. 1 to 3, or as shown by the virtual line marked with reference sign C in FIG. 2, is at a position on the front side in the traveling direction of the carriage 11 with respect to the arm mechanism 30 for taking a photographing posture or a standby posture, and, as shown by the virtual line marked with reference sign B in FIGS. 2 and 3, is at a position on the rear side in the traveling direction of the carriage 11 with respect to the arm mechanism 30 in the posture when moving the carriage 11, and moves between these positions.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the illumination / imaging unit 12 includes a light source unit 24, a light source control unit 25, a zoom lens 26, a prism 27, a white light sensor 28, and an excitation light sensor 29. When using the imaging device 1, it is preferable to keep the illumination / imaging unit 12 separated from the affected part of the subject ST by about several tens of centimeters.

[0020] The light source unit 24 includes a first light source 241 that is a white light source and a second light source 242 that is an excitation light source. When the first light source 241 is lit, white light is irradiated toward the subject ST, and the reflected light of the white light is reflected by the subject ST and detected by the white light sensor 28.

[0021] The second light source 242 irradiates excitation light for exciting the fluorescent reagent (IR700). When the second light source 242 is turned on, near-infrared light (excitation light) with a wavelength of 600 to 700 nm is irradiated toward the subject ST, and the fluorescent reagent (IR700) of the therapeutic agent (RM-1929) administered to the subject ST is excited. Then, when the fluorescent reagent (IR700) is excited, near-infrared light with a peak of about 700 or 770 nm is emitted as fluorescence and detected by the excitation light sensor 29. Note that if the excitation light is irradiated for a long time, the reaction of the fluorescent reagent (IR700) will proceed, and the treatment will proceed unintentionally. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the light source is pulsed for a time corresponding to the imaging time of one field of the excitation light sensor 29 (for example, 16 msec) (details will be described later).

[0022] The light source control unit 25 has a function of controlling the lighting of the first light source 241. By this function, the first light source 241 can be irradiated with white light and the irradiation can be stopped. Further, the light source control unit 25 has a function of controlling the lighting of the second light source 242. By this function, the second light source 242 can be irradiated with excitation light and the irradiation can be stopped. The light source control unit 25 is connected to the control unit 17 that controls the entire imaging device 1, and controls the lighting of the first light source 241 and the second light source 242 according to an instruction from the control unit 17.

[0023] The reflected light (white light) reflected by the subject ST and the fluorescence generated by the fluorescent reagent (IR700) in the subject ST enter the zoom lens 26. Then, the reflected light (white light) forms an image on the white light sensor 28, and the fluorescence forms an image on the excitation light sensor 29 by this zoom lens 26. The prism 27 receives the light from the zoom lens 26, that is, the white light and the fluorescence. The white light and the fluorescence incident on the prism 27 are separated by the prism 27, and the white light is directed toward the white light sensor 28, and the fluorescence is directed toward the excitation light sensor 29.

[0024] The white light sensor 28 is an imaging device that detects a part of the reflected light (white light) separated by the prism 27, and for example, captures a visible image of the subject ST at the frame rate of NTSC (National Television System Committee) (30 frames / second (60 fields / second)). Further, the excitation light sensor 29 is an imaging device that detects a part of the near-infrared light (fluorescence) separated by the prism 27, and captures a fluorescence image of the subject ST at the NTSC frame rate (for example, 30 frames / second (60 fields / second)).

[0025] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the imaging device 1 includes a control unit 17, an image forming unit 18, an image synthesizing unit 19, a storage unit 20, and an operation unit 10. These units are arranged on the cart 11.

[0026] The control unit 17 is composed of a CPU that executes logical operations, a ROM that stores an operation program necessary for controlling the device, a RAM that temporarily stores data during control, etc., and has a function of controlling the entire device. The control unit 17 is electrically connected to the light source control unit 25, the image forming unit 18, the image synthesizing unit 19, the image display unit 15, the storage unit 20, and the operation unit 10. When power is input to the imaging device 1, it reads out the imaging program stored in the storage unit 20 and controls these units.

[0027] The image forming unit 18 receives the reflected light (white light) detected by the white light sensor 28 and the near-infrared light (fluorescence) detected by the excitation light sensor 29. Then, the image forming unit 18 forms the reflected light (white light) detected by the white light sensor 28 into a visible image IM1 composed of 24 bits (= 3 × 8) in three colors of RGB (red, green, and blue). Further, the image forming unit 18 forms the near-infrared light (fluorescence) detected by the excitation light sensor 29 into an 8-bit fluorescence image IM2. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 18 functions as a first imaging unit 181 that acquires the visible image IM1 by photographing the subject ST irradiated with white light at the NTSC frame rate, and a second imaging unit 182 that acquires the fluorescence image IM2 by photographing the fluorescence generated by the fluorescent reagent (IR700) at the NTSC frame rate.

[0028] The image synthesizing unit 19 synthesizes (generates) the visible image IM1 formed by the image forming unit 18 and the fluorescence image IM2 to form a synthesized image IM3. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the visible image IM1, the fluorescence image IM2, and the synthesized image IM3 are all displayed on the image display unit 15 at once. By observing the synthesized image IM3, a doctor can accurately grasp the treatment position and treatment effect (that is, the progress of treatment) of the subject ST.

[0029] The storage unit 20 is configured to store the imaging program executed by the control unit 17, the fluorescence image IM2 formed by the image forming unit 18, and the like.

[0030] The operation unit 10 is a user interface for operating the imaging device 1. For example, the operation unit 10 is configured to operate the irradiation of light from the light source unit 24, the stop of irradiation, the adjustment of brightness and sensitivity, the display method of the image displayed on the image display unit 15, and the like.

[0031] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the imaging program executed by the control unit 17 will be described. The imaging program is a process that is read from the storage unit 20 and executed by the control unit 17 when power is input to the imaging device 1.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, when the imaging program is executed, the control unit 17 controls the light source control unit 25 to turn on the first light source 241. When the first light source 241 is turned on, white light is irradiated toward the subject ST. When the process of step S101 ends, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0033] In step S103, the control unit 17 controls the first imaging unit 181 of the image forming unit 18 to acquire a visible image IM1 from the data of the white light sensor 28 input to the image forming unit 18 at the NTSC frame rate. When the process of step S103 ends, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0034] In step S105, the control unit 17 controls the image compositing unit 19 and the image display unit 15 to send the visible image IM1 acquired in step S103 to the image compositing unit 19 and display the visible image IM1 on the image display unit 15. When the process of step S105 ends, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0035] In step S107, the control unit 17 determines whether or not the excitation light switch (a switch for irradiating excitation light) of the operation unit 10 has been turned on. If the excitation light switch has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S109, and if the excitation light switch is off, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0036] In step S109, the control unit 17 controls the light source control unit 25 to pulse-light the second light source 242. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the pulse-lighting timing of the second light source 242 of the present embodiment, the operation timing of the excitation light switch (operation unit 10), and the frame rate of the excitation light sensor 29. In FIG. 7, the timing when the excitation light switch is turned on in the operation unit 10 is indicated by a negative-logic pulse signal, the delimiter of each field of the excitation light sensor 29 is indicated by a negative-logic pulse signal, and the lighting timing of the second light source 242 is indicated by a positive-logic pulse signal. As shown in FIG. 7, the excitation light sensor 29 outputs an image signal of each field at 60 Hz (16 msec cycle). When it is determined in step S107 that the excitation light switch is turned on, the control unit 17 lights the second light source 242 for 16 msec (that is, the period of one field) in synchronization with the next field (or frame) of the excitation light sensor 29. When the second light source 242 is pulse-lighted in this way, excitation light is irradiated toward the subject ST. When the process of step S109 ends, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0037] In step S111, the control unit 17 controls the second imaging unit 182 of the image forming unit 18 to acquire the fluorescence image IM2 from the data of the excitation light sensor 29 input to the image forming unit 18 at the NTSC frame rate. More specifically, in the present embodiment, since the second light source 242 is pulse-lighted for only one field period in step S109, the fluorescence image IM2 during this period is acquired and stored in the storage unit 20. When the process of step S111 ends, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0038] In step S113, the control unit 17 controls the image synthesizing unit 19 and the image display unit 15, sends the fluorescence image IM2 acquired and stored in step S111 to the image synthesizing unit 19, and displays the fluorescence image IM2 on the image display unit 15. Thus, in the present embodiment, in steps S109 to S113, the excitation light is pulsed for a time corresponding to the imaging time for one frame of the excitation light sensor 29 (for example, 16 msec) to acquire the fluorescence image IM2, so that the excitation light is not irradiated for a long time. When the process of step S113 ends, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0039] In step S115, the control unit 17 controls the image synthesizing unit 19, superimposes and synthesizes the visible image IM1 acquired in step S103 and the fluorescence image IM2 acquired in step S111 to generate a synthesized image IM3. When the process of step S115 ends, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0040] In step S117, the control unit 17 controls the image display unit 15 and displays the synthesized image IM3 generated in step S115 on the image display unit 15. When the process of step S117 ends, the process proceeds to step S119.

[0041] In step S119, the control unit 17 determines whether the stop switch of the operation unit 10 (a switch for ending the imaging program) is turned on. If the stop switch is turned on, the control unit 17 ends the imaging program. If the stop switch is off, the process returns to step S103.

[0042] As described above, when the composite image IM3 is obtained by the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment (that is, when the imaging program is executed), the doctor can accurately grasp the treatment position and treatment effect (that is, the progress of the treatment) of the subject ST by observing the composite image IM3. Further, in the present embodiment, in steps S109 to S113, the excitation light is pulsed for a time corresponding to the imaging time of one frame of the excitation light sensor 29 (for example, 16 msec) to acquire the fluorescence image IM2. Therefore, the excitation light is not irradiated for a long time, and the treatment does not proceed unintentionally. Incidentally, if the total irradiation time of the excitation light irradiated by one photoimmunotherapy is 333 seconds, the excitation light irradiated in steps S109 to S113 of the present embodiment is 1 / 20,000 of the total irradiation energy. Therefore, it is considered that the treatment does not proceed. However, from the viewpoint of not advancing the treatment, it is preferable that the pulsed lighting of the second light source 242 is performed once. However, within the range where the treatment does not proceed, multiple irradiations (that is, acquisition of the fluorescence image IM2 multiple times) may be performed.

[0043] The above is the description of the embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of its technical idea.

[0044] For example, in the present embodiment, in S109 to S113, the excitation light is pulsed for a time corresponding to the imaging time of one frame of the excitation light sensor 29 (for example, 16 msec) to acquire the fluorescence image IM2. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

[0045] <Modification Example 1> FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the pulse lighting timing of the second light source 242, the operation (operation unit 10) timing of the excitation light switch, and the frame rate of the excitation light sensor 29, shown as Modification 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 8, similar to FIG. 7, the timing when the excitation light switch is turned on in the operation unit 10 is indicated by a negative logic pulse signal, the boundary of each field of the excitation light sensor 29 is indicated by a negative logic pulse signal, and the lighting timing of the second light source 242 is indicated by a positive logic pulse signal. As shown in FIG. 8, in this modification, when it is determined in step S107 that the excitation light switch is turned on, the control unit 17 lights the second light source 242 for 33 msec (that is, a period of 2 fields (1 frame)) without synchronizing with the field of the excitation light sensor 29 (that is, asynchronously), which is different from the configuration of the present embodiment. Even if the second light source 242 is pulse-lit for 33 msec (that is, a period of 2 fields (1 frame)), the treatment will not proceed unintentionally, and the doctor can accurately grasp the treatment position and treatment effect (that is, the progress of the treatment) of the subject ST by observing the composite image IM3.

[0046] Also, in the present embodiment, the light source unit 24 has been described as including the first light source 241 that is a white light source and the second light source 242 that is an excitation light source, but it is not limited to such a configuration.

[0047] <Modification 2> FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main control system of the imaging device 2 shown as Modification 2 of the present embodiment. In the imaging device 2 of this modification, the light source unit 24 does not include the second light source 242, and an excitation light source 70 that replaces the second light source 242 is provided separately from the illumination / imaging unit 12, which is different from the configuration of the present embodiment. The excitation light source 70 of this modification is also controlled by the light source control unit 25, similar to the second light source 242. Even when the excitation light source 70 is separated from the light source unit 24 in this way, the doctor can accurately grasp the treatment position and treatment effect (that is, the progress of treatment) of the subject ST by observing the composite image IM3. Note that the excitation light from the excitation light source 70 is not only used as monitor light for grasping the treatment position and treatment effect, but can also be used as treatment light (that is, the excitation light source 70 can be used as a treatment light source). In that case, the imaging device 2 will be used as a treatment device. It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0048] (Item 1) An imaging device according to one aspect an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light for exciting the fluorescent dye toward a treatment site of a subject administered with a therapeutic agent containing the fluorescent dye; a first imaging unit that images the treatment site and acquires a visible moving image; a second imaging unit that acquires a fluorescence image by imaging fluorescence generated from the fluorescent dye at the treatment site when the excitation light is irradiated; a composite image generation unit that superimposes the fluorescence image on the visible moving image to generate a composite image; an image display unit that displays the composite image; and the excitation light source irradiates the excitation light with a predetermined pulse width.

[0049] According to the imaging device described in claim 1, a doctor can accurately grasp the treatment position and treatment effect (i.e., the progress of treatment) of the subject by observing the synthesized image. In addition, since the excitation light is pulsed, treatment will not proceed unintentionally.

[0050] (Claim 2) In the imaging device described in claim 1, the predetermined pulse width is the time for one field synchronized with the imaging timing of the second imaging unit.

[0051] According to the imaging device described in claim 2, a fluorescence image can be obtained with the minimum excitation light synchronized with the imaging timing of the second imaging unit.

[0052] (Claim 3) In the imaging device described in claim 2, the predetermined pulse width is approximately 16 ms.

[0053] According to the imaging device described in claim 3, a fluorescence image can be obtained in the time for one field of NTSC.

[0054] (Claim 4) In the imaging device described in claim 1, the predetermined pulse width is the time for two fields asynchronous with the imaging timing of the second imaging unit.

[0055] According to the imaging device described in claim 4, a fluorescence image can be obtained with the minimum excitation light asynchronous with the imaging timing of the second imaging unit.

[0056] (Claim 5) In the imaging device described in claim 4, the predetermined pulse width is approximately 33 ms.

[0057] According to the imaging device described in claim 5, a fluorescence image can be obtained in the time for two fields of NTSC.

[0058] (Item 6) In the imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 5, the excitation light is light having a wavelength of 600 to 700 nm.

[0059] According to the imaging device described in Item 6, the fluorescent dye can be surely excited.

[0060] (Item 7) The treatment device according to one aspect includes the imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 5, and a treatment light source that irradiates treatment light for exciting the fluorescent dye toward the treatment site.

[0061] According to the treatment device described in Item 7, a subject can be treated by the imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.

[0062] (Item 8) An imaging method according to one aspect includes a step of irradiating excitation light for exciting the fluorescent dye toward a treatment site of a subject administered with a therapeutic agent containing the fluorescent dye, a step of imaging the treatment site and acquiring a visible moving image, a step of acquiring a fluorescence image by imaging fluorescence generated from the fluorescent dye at the treatment site while the excitation light is being irradiated, a step of generating a composite image by superimposing the fluorescence image on the visible moving image, and a step of displaying the composite image, wherein in the step of irradiating the excitation light, the excitation light having a predetermined pulse width is irradiated.

[0063] According to the imaging method described in Item 8, a doctor can accurately grasp the treatment position and treatment effect (that is, the progress of treatment) of a subject by observing the composite image. Further, since the excitation light is pulsed, treatment does not proceed unintentionally.

[0064] (Item 9) In the imaging method according to Item 8, The step of irradiating the excitation light irradiates the excitation light with the predetermined pulse width only once or upon a user's irradiation trigger.

[0065] According to the imaging method described in claim 9, treatment will not proceed unintentionally with only the minimum amount of excitation light being irradiated.

[0066] (Claim 10) In the imaging method according to claim 8 or 9, The step of generating the composite image detects fluorescence from the fluorescence image and superimposes the still image on the visible moving image.

[0067] According to the imaging method described in claim 10, a doctor can accurately grasp the treatment position and treatment effect (i.e., progress of treatment) of the subject by observing the composite image.

[0068] (Claim 11) In the imaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The predetermined pulse width is the time for one field synchronized with the imaging timing of the fluorescence image.

[0069] According to the imaging method described in claim 11, a fluorescence image can be obtained with the minimum amount of excitation light synchronized with the imaging timing of the fluorescence image.

[0070] (Claim 12) In the imaging method according to claim 11, The predetermined pulse width is approximately 16 ms.

[0071] According to the imaging method described in claim 12, a fluorescence image can be obtained in the time for one field of NTSC.

[0072] (Claim 13) In the imaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The predetermined pulse width is the time for two fields asynchronous with the imaging timing of the fluorescence image.

[0073] According to the imaging method described in claim 13, a fluorescence image can be obtained with a minimum amount of excitation light that is asynchronous with the imaging timing of the fluorescence image.

[0074] (Claim 14) In the imaging method described in claim 13, the predetermined pulse width is approximately 33 ms.

[0075] According to the imaging method described in claim 14, a fluorescence image can be obtained in the time for two fields of NTSC.

[0076] (Claim 15) In the imaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, the excitation light is light having a wavelength of 600 to 700 nm.

[0077] According to the imaging method described in claim 15, a fluorescent dye can be surely excited.

Explanation of Signs

[0078] 1: Imaging device 2: Imaging device 10: Operation unit 11: Cart 12: Photographing unit 13: Wheel 14: Handle 15: Image display unit 16: Concave portion 17: Control unit 18: Image forming unit 19: Image synthesizing unit 20: Storage unit 24: Light source unit 25: Light source control unit 26: Zoom lens 27: Prism 28: White light sensor 29: Excitation light sensor 30: Arm mechanism 31: First arm member 32: Second arm member 33: Hinge part 34: Hinge part 35: Hinge part 36: Support column 37: Support part 41: Sub - arm 42: Rotation axis 43: Support part 70: Excitation light source 181: First imaging unit 182: Second imaging unit 241: First light source 242: Second light source A: Mark B: Mark C: Mark IM1: Visible image IM2: Fluorescent image IM3: Composite image ST: Subject

Claims

1. An excitation light source that irradiates excitation light for exciting the fluorescent reagent toward a treatment site of a subject administered with a therapeutic agent in which a fluorescent reagent (IR700) and an antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor are bound, An imaging unit that acquires a fluorescence image by imaging fluorescence generated from the fluorescent reagent at the treatment site when the excitation light is irradiated, An image display unit that displays the fluorescence image, Comprising, The excitation light source is an imaging device that irradiates the excitation light with a predetermined pulse width that does not advance the treatment.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined pulse width is the time for one field synchronized with the imaging timing of the imaging unit.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined pulse width is approximately 16 ms.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined pulse width is the time for two fields asynchronous with the imaging timing of the imaging unit.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined pulse width is approximately 33 ms.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the excitation light is light having a wavelength of 600 to 700 nm.

7. Another imaging unit that images the treatment site and acquires a visible moving image, A composite image generation unit that superimposes the fluorescence image on the visible moving image to generate a composite image, Further comprising, The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image display unit displays the composite image.

8. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A treatment light source that irradiates treatment light for exciting the fluorescent reagent toward the treatment site, A treatment device comprising.

Images