Patent attributes
Devices and methods for use in detecting an optical signal, such as from a fluorescent agent, and converting it to a visible signal are provided. Aspects of the devices include a first light source that emits light onto a region of interest such as a body tissue, body fluid, or agent such as a fluorescent agent introduced into the body; a detector for detecting light emitted or reflected from the region of interest; and a visible light source that emits visible light onto the region of interest, where the color or intensity of the visible light is selected based on the amount of light at one or more wavelengths detected by the detector. Devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to identify an anatomical structure during surgery, without the need to eliminate ambient light.
