[Photodocumentation of intra-arterial infusions using fluorescein]

Intra-arterial chemotherapy was given to 12 patients with Head and Neck tumours with the aim of selective perfusion of the tumour area, usually located in the area of supply of the lingual and/or facial artery. A catheter was inserted retrograde into the external carotid artery. The skin or mucous membrane area thus selectively infused by the antineoplastic drug and fluorescein solution could be controlled and documented using an excitation- and barrier filter. Serial photographs were used to demonstrate the higher fluorescence in the perfused area during the intra-arterial infusion lasting 60 or 90 minutes. The use of a balloon catheter increased the selectivity of the fluorescent region. At the end of the infusion the fluorescence disappeared rapidly. From our findings we conclude that it is possible to produce a selective higher concentration of a substance in the tumour during the intra-arterial infusion.