OPTICAL IMAGING OF DEEP ANATOMIC STRUCTURES

The present invention provides apparatus and means for visualizing blood vessels and subsurface anatomic structures during surgery and in real time with improved optical imaging and minimized trauma to the patient. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for imaging a deep anatomic tissue of interest, comprising the steps of: emitting radiant energy to the surface of said tissue; enhancing contrast of said radiant energy; and detecting reflected radiant energy from said tissue surface, wherein said reflected radiant energy provides imaging information of said tissue.