Pancreas-targeted NIR fluorophores for dual-channel image-guided abdominal surgery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical imaging
• Surgical innovation
• Molecular imaging

Background:

• Pancreatic complications pose significant risks in abdominal surgery.
• Current imaging techniques may not provide sufficient real-time visualization of the pancreas during procedures.
• Minimizing intraoperative pancreatic injury is crucial for patient safety and surgical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores for real-time pancreas imaging.
• To enhance intraoperative visualization and reduce the risk of pancreatic injury during abdominal surgery.
• To assess the efficacy of targeted NIR fluorophores in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• Screening of a large library of NIR fluorophores.
• Quantification of three pancreas-targeted 700 nm NIR fluorophores (T700-H, T700-F, MB) in mice, rats, and pigs.
• Evaluation of dose-ranging and imaging kinetics of T700-F.
• Utilizing three different 800 nm NIR fluorophores for dual-channel FLARE™ imaging in pigs.

Main Results:

• T700-F exhibited the highest signal-to-background ratio (SBR), peaking at 4 hours post-injection in mice.
• In pigs, T700-F achieved an SBR≥2 against surrounding tissues for up to 8 hours.
• Simultaneous dual-channel intraoperative imaging of the pancreas and surrounding organs was achieved in real-time.

Conclusions:

• Pancreas-targeted NIR fluorophores, coupled with the FLARE dual-channel imaging system, facilitate real-time intraoperative pancreas imaging.
• This technological advancement supports surgeons in performing safer and more effective abdominal surgeries.
• The developed fluorophores contribute to improved visualization and reduced risk of pancreatic injury.