Enhanced Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Minimally Invasive Medical Procedures

A system for visualizing tissue under near-infrared radiation, utilizing a novel fusion compound with enhanced fluorescence properties, to improve the accuracy and safety of minimally invasive medical procedures.

Minimally invasive medical techniques aim to reduce tissue damage and patient recovery time. The original patent disclosed compositions of near IR closed chain, sulfo-cyanine dyes and prostate specific membrane antigen ligands. However, these compositions had limitations in terms of fluorescence efficiency and specificity. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a novel fusion compound with increased fluorescence compared to other combinations of dyes to PSMA ligands, enabling real-time visualization and improved safety during minimally invasive medical procedures.

The new inventive concept comprises a system for visualizing tissue under near-infrared radiation, including a fusion compound with a near IR, closed chain, sulfo-cyanine dye and a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand. This fusion compound exhibits increased fluorescence compared to other combinations of dyes to PSMA ligands, allowing for enhanced visualization of tissue during minimally invasive medical procedures. The system further includes a near-infrared radiation source, a detector for detecting fluorescence emitted by the fusion compound, and a display for presenting the detected fluorescence in real-time. The inventive concept also encompasses methods for enhancing fluorescence in minimally invasive medical procedures and kits for visualizing tissue under near-infrared radiation.

The new inventive concept introduces a novel fusion compound with increased fluorescence properties, which is not obvious from the original patent. The combination of the near IR, closed chain, sulfo-cyanine dye and the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand in a single fusion compound provides a surprising and unexpected improvement in fluorescence efficiency, enabling real-time visualization and improved safety during minimally invasive medical procedures.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the structure of the fusion compound, using different types of dyes or ligands, or incorporating additional targeting moieties to enhance specificity. The system could also be adapted for use in different medical procedures, such as laparoscopic or endoscopic surgeries.

The enhanced near-infrared fluorescence imaging system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive surgery and cancer treatment. The system could be marketed to hospitals, surgical centers, and medical research institutions, offering improved accuracy and safety during medical procedures.