Near-infrared-guided Thoracoscopic Surgery and Future Near-infrared Targets

Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging allows for real time, noninvasive visualization of anatomic structures (blood vessels, lymphatic vessels) or diseased states (cancer, inflammation). This technique is easily adapted to thoracoscopy and has allowed for improved detection of lung tumors and other various cancers, thoracic lymphatics, and cardiothoracic vasculature.