Low-cost time-gated imager for intraoperative nerve identification

Intraoperative nerve recognition is critical to avoid accidental transection. Fluorescence-guided surgery can aid in nerve identification. However, detection of weak nerve-specific fluorescence signal is susceptible to the interference from high-background bright lights. We present a time-gated imager designed with ease-of-use and cost effectiveness in mind. Using this technology, we demonstrate successful rejection of room-light background signal to visualize the murine sciatic nerve.