Toward a Miniaturized Wireless Fluorescence-Based Diagnostic Imaging System

Fluorescence-based spectroscopy and imaging techniques provide qualitative and quantitative diagnostic information on biological systems. In this paper, we report on the design, fabrication, and testing of a miniaturized wireless fluorescence imaging device for noninvasive clinical diagnosis and screening of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. The system includes three submodules: optical imaging, electronics control and image acquisition, and information processing and transmission. These modules were individually developed and tested before being integrated into a battery-powered wireless device. The final integrated system is mounted in a customized, compact cylindrical housing. The performance of each individual module and the overall integrated system has been evaluated using fluorescent phantoms. It has been demonstrated that the miniaturized device can acquire spectrally resolved fluorescence images and transmit the image stream wirelessly. An important outcome of this feasibility study is the identification of important technological issues and pathways for future prototype development.