Multimodal intrinsic contrast imaging for nerve discrimination in vivo

Inadvertent nerve injury is a common complication during many surgical procedures. Intraoperative localization of nerves could reduce the risk of nerve injury and improve patients’ quality of life post-operation. To address this need, we combine diffuse reflectance and polarization imaging techniques into a single imaging system for in vivo nerve mapping. Both modalities successfully localize nerves within the field of view in an in vivo rat model and together provide enhanced contrast in relation to the surrounding tissues. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the future development of a real-time imaging system for clinical translation.