An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Fluobeam 800 Imaging System for Fluorescence-Guided Lymphatic Imaging and Sentinel Node Biopsy:

Background. Visualization of the lymphatic system is challenging. Lymphatic imaging is a crucial diagnostic tool for benign and malignant lymphatic pathologies. Fluorescence-guided imaging allows selective lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification. There are a few fluorescence systems, but some drawbacks remain due to technical and ergonomic aspects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the new Fluobeam 800 imaging system. Methods. After approval by the ethics committee, the system was evaluated for lymphography and SLN biopsy in an animal model. Five pigs each with 4 lymph node (LN) stations (n = 20 LN stations) were subjected to lymphatic imaging using indocyanine green (ICG). Additionally, the use of ICG was compared with ICG adsorbed to human serum albumin (ICG–HSA). Lymphatic vessels and SLN identification rates were measured. Results. After injection, a clear fluorescence signal of the lymphatic vessels was visualized leading to the LN station. Overall, ICG f...