Hepatectomy using a novel cart-based indocyanine green fluorescence imaging system

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation

Background:

• Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence is established for hepatic tumor detection and segmentation.
• Existing methods may require specific lighting conditions or direct proximity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial clinical experience with the novel cart-based LIGHTVISION® ICG fluorescence device for liver resections.
• To assess the device's utility in tumor localization, hepatic segmentation, and surgical margin assessment.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 15 patients undergoing hepatic resection using the LIGHTVISION® system.
• Real-time intraoperative use of ICG fluorescence for tumor and segment visualization.
• Comparison of intraoperative findings with resected specimen data.

Main Results:

• The LIGHTVISION® system detected 59 of 68 (86.8%) nodules in resected specimens.
• Hepatic segments were clearly visualized in all 10 patients where the device was used for segmentation.
• All tumors were successfully resected with clear surgical margins.

Conclusions:

• The cart-based LIGHTVISION® ICG fluorescence device is a promising tool for liver surgery.
• Its features facilitate improved tumor detection, precise segmentation, and navigation during hepatic resection.
• The device aids in achieving complete tumor resection with adequate margins.