Near-Infrared Exoscope Enables Real-Time Perfusion Assessment and Lymphatic Mapping in Open Surgery

Open surgery can make it difficult to assess tissue perfusion and lymphatic flow in real time, limiting intraoperative certainty. Near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green reveals details not visible to the naked eye, supporting more informed decisions. A new device now brings real-time near-infrared/indocyanine green imaging to open surgery with magnified 4K visualization.

KARL STORZ has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the Rubina Lens exoscope for open surgery, broadening near-infrared imaging across open and minimally invasive procedures in the United States. The digital, camera-based exoscope displays a real-time, magnified 4K image of the surgical field on a monitor. Surgeons can switch to near-infrared imaging using indocyanine green to reveal information not visible to the naked eye and support intraoperative decision-making.

Rubina Lens is indicated for real-time tissue perfusion assessment, lymphatic mapping, and breast surgery, and is designed for any open procedure where near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green may support intraoperative decision making. As with the fully endoscopic version, the system provides several options for viewing the near-infrared/indocyanine green fluorescence signal. Direct integration with existing KARL STORZ IMAGE1 S Rubina imaging platforms enables surgical teams to expand fluorescence capabilities without additional capital investment.

The exoscope can be used handheld or mounted on a holding arm, providing flexibility across surgical settings. Already approved for use in markets outside the United States, Rubina Lens brings this near-infrared technology to U.S. surgeons performing open procedures. The system addresses the need for consistent visualization across surgical approaches.

“The Rubina Lens extends real-time fluorescence visualization into open surgery, integrating seamlessly with existing OR platforms,” said Fernando Morales, Vice President, Surgical & OR Integration, KARL STORZ United States. “It enables surgeons to incorporate NIR imaging into open procedures without unnecessary complexity or workflow burden.”