Hyperspectral Evaluation of the Human Liver During Major Resection

This study investigates the effects of PVE and vascular inflow control (VIC) on liver microperfusion and tissue oxygenation using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology.

Mechanisms triggering future liver remnant (FLR) augmentation introduced by PVE have not been sufficiently studied in humans. Particularly, the arterial buffer response (ABR) of the liver might play a vital role.

Hyperspectral datacubes (TIVITA) acquired during 58 major liver resections were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for tissue oxygenation (StO₂%), near-infrared (NIR) perfusion, organ-hemoglobin indices (OHI), and tissue-water indices (TWI). The primary study endpoint was measurement of hyperspectral differences in liver parenchyma subject to PVE and VIC before resection.

HSI revealed parenchyma specific differences in StO₂% with regard to the underlying disease (P < 0.001). Preoperative PVE (n = 23, 40%) lead to arterial hyperoxygenation and hyperperfusion of corresponding liver segments (StO₂: 77.23% ± 11.93%, NIR: 0.46 ± 0.20[I]) when compared with the FLR (StO₂: 66.13% ± 9.96%, NIR: 0.23 ± 0.12[I]; P < 0.001). In a case of insufficient PVE and the absence of FLR augmentation hyperspectral StO₂ and NIR differences were absent. The hyperspectral assessment demonstrated increased liver tissue-oxygenation and perfusion in PVE-segments (n = 23 cases) and decreased total VIC in nonembolized FLR hemilivers (n = 35 cases; P < 0.001). Intraoperative HSI analysis of tumor tissue revealed marked tumor specific differences in StO₂, NIR, OHI, and TWI (P < 0.001).

HSI allows intraoperative quantitative and qualitative assessment of microperfusion and StO₂% of liver tissue. PVE lead to ABR-triggered tissue hyperoxygenation and cross-talk FLR augmentation. HSI furthermore facilitates intraoperative tumor tissue identification and enables image-guided liver surgery following VIC.