APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF LUNG TISSUE BY RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

摘要

Near infrared Raman spectroscopy can be applied to identify preneoplastic lesions of the bronchial tree. Real time in vivo Raman spectra of lung tissues may be obtained with a fiber optic catheter passed down the instrument channel of a bronchoscope. Using prototype apparatus preneoplastic lesions were detected with sensitivity and specificity of 96 and 91 % respectively. The use of Raman spectroscopy apparatus and methods in conjunction with other bronchoscopy imaging modalities can substantially reduce the number of false positive results.