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Phase-sensitive fluorescence detector for parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy: A preliminary report
Yikeun Kim1,2, Sung Won Kim2,3, Kang Dae Lee2,3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea.
Journal of Biophotonics
|November 8, 2019
Summary
A new autofluorescence detector aids surgeons in identifying parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery, improving patient safety by reducing gland damage. This device enhances visualization of parathyroid glands, crucial for preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Technology
- Medical Optics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Parathyroid gland damage remains a complication during thyroid surgery despite technological advancements.
- Existing autofluorescence methods for parathyroid gland localization have practical limitations in surgical settings.
- Accurate identification of parathyroid glands is critical for preventing hypoparathyroidism post-thyroidectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel probe-type parathyroid autofluorescence detector.
- To overcome limitations of previous autofluorescence techniques for parathyroid gland detection.
- To assess the device's efficacy in a preliminary clinical trial.
Main Methods:
- Development of a probe-type detector utilizing a phase-sensitive process and optical filtering.
- Implementation of advanced optical filtering to enhance signal specificity.
- Preliminary clinical evaluation involving eight parathyroid glands in four patients.
Main Results:
- The detector demonstrated significantly higher normalized mean signal for normal parathyroid glands compared to surrounding tissues (thyroid, muscle, trachea, fat).
- Parathyroid glands showed a 332% stronger signal than thyroid tissue.
- The device successfully detected fluorescence from indocyanine green, indicating potential for dual-modality imaging.
Conclusions:
- The developed probe-type parathyroid autofluorescence detector is effective in differentiating parathyroid glands from adjacent tissues.
- This technology offers a promising solution to improve parathyroid gland identification during thyroid surgery.
- Further clinical validation is warranted to establish its role in routine surgical practice.
