Full-Spectrum Photography in Surgical Neuroanatomy: Anatomical Nuances Beyond the Naked Eye

Introduction: Anatomical dissection is a fundamental part of surgical education, but it can be challenging to visualize the subtle details of anatomy. Full spectrum photography is a technique that uses cameras that can capture light in a wider range of wavelengths than traditional cameras. This can be used to create images that reveal features that are not visible to the naked eye, such as vascular structures and nerve fibers.

Methods: In this study, we used full spectrum photography to capture images of a dissected human cadaver (n = 10). We used three different full-spectrum modalities: 720-nm infrared, UV reflectance, and UV luminance and a modified mirror-less camera without hot mirror. The images were then analyzed to identify the anatomical structures that were visible in each modality.

Results: The results showed that full spectrum photography was able to reveal a variety of anatomical structures that were not visible in traditional photographs. For example, the 720-nm infrared images showed the clean neural surfaces of the cadaver, while the UV reflectance and luminance provided an enhancement of calcified structures, nerve fibers, microvascular components and melanin.

Conclusion: Full-spectrum photography, encompassing 720-nm infrared, UV reflectance, and UV luminance, offers a valuable enhancement to anatomical dissections and education. It provides a noninvasive means to visualize anatomical structures with greater clarity, highlighting features that may be challenging to observe with the naked eye or standard visible-light photography. The use of full-spectrum modalities has the potential to revolutionize anatomical education by offering an innovative and versatile tool for teaching and research.

Publication History

Article published online:
05 February 2024