Feature space optimization for virtual chromoendoscopy augmented by topography.

Optical colonoscopy is the preferred modality for the screening and prevention of colorectal cancer. Chromoendoscopy can increase lesion detection rate by highlighting tissue topography with a colored dye, but is too time-consuming to be adopted in routine colonoscopy screening. We developed a fast and dye-free technique that generates virtual chromoendoscopy images that incorporate topography features acquired from photometric stereo endoscopy. We demonstrate that virtual chromoendoscopy augmented by topography achieves similar image quality to conventional chromoendoscopy in ex-vivo swine colon.