Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction Using a Handheld Fluorescence Imaging Device

Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) has traditionally required a fluorescent-capable microscope to identify lymphatic channels used to create a lymphaticovenous bypass (LVB). Herein, a new alternative method is described, identifying lymphatic channels using a commercially available handheld fluorescence imaging device.

This was a single-center study of consecutive patients who underwent ILR over a 1-year period at a tertiary medical center. Intradermal injection of fluorescent indocyanine green dye was performed intraoperatively after axillary or inguinal lymphadenectomy. A handheld fluorescent imaging device (SPY-PHI, Stryker) rather than a fluorescent-capable microscope was used to identify transected lymphatic channels. Data regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and outcome variables were collected and analyzed.

The handheld fluorescent imaging device was successfully able to identify transected lymphatic channels in all cases (n = 15). A nonfluorescent-capable microscope was used to construct the LVB in 14 cases. Loupes were used in one case. In 13 cases, ILR was unilateral. In two cases, bilateral ILR was performed in the lower extremities. All upper extremity cases were secondary to breast cancer (n = 7). Lower extremity cases (n = 8) included extramammary Paget disease of the penis, ovarian cancer, vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin, soft tissue sarcomas, cutaneous melanoma, and porocarcinoma.

ILR, using indocyanine green injection with a handheld fluorescent imaging device, is both safe and effective. This method for intraoperative identification of lymphatic channels was successful, and LVB creation was completed in all cases. This approach makes ILR feasible when a fluorescent-capable microscope is unavailable, broadening access to more patients.