Robot-assisted imaging may hasten treatment for prostate cancer patients
Researchers have successfully used robot-assisted multispectral-fluorescence imaging to distinguish between healthy and diseased lymphatic flow patterns in prostate and lower limb-draining lymph nodes.
The method may reduce the use invasive extended pelvic lymph node dissections for prostate cancer, according to the study published May 22 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
The researchers performed multispectral-fluorescence guidance imaging in five porcine models using da Vinci Si- and Xi- robot consoles. All five models were then injected with fluorescein into the lower limbs and indocyanine green (ICG)‐nanocolloid into the prostate.
"We evaluated this concept during robotic pelvic lymph node dissection procedures in porcine models to demonstrate that: the ICG‐tailored da Vinci fluorescence laparoscopes are also capable of imaging the clinically approved visible dye fluorescein and support multispectral‐imaging applications, multicolor or multispectral fluorescence imaging supports real‐time intraoperative separation of the lower limb and prostate‐related lymphatic anatomies and imaging of fluorescein helps visualize damage to the lymphatic network and highlights ureters," the researchers wrote.
Fluorescein was identified in 29 lymph nodes, with ICG visualized in 12 lymph nodes. For both dyes, signal intensities appeared equal with no visual overlap in the lymphatic drainage patterns. Detection of leakage from damaged lymphatic structures and ureters was identified by fluorescein.
"With this multicolor guidance concept, healthy lymphatic structures could potentially be spared, converting to a reduction of lymphedema of the lower limb," the researchers concluded. "The fact that commercially available and clinically approved robotic systems allow such a multispectral‐imaging approach facilitates the translational aspect of these studies."
A recent graduate from Dominican University (IL) with a bachelor’s in journalism, Melissa joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering all aspects of health imaging. She’s a fan of singing and playing guitar, elephants, a good cup of tea, and her golden retriever Cooper.