Photoacoustic lymphangiography exhibits advantages over near-infrared fluorescence lymphangiography as a diagnostic tool in patients with lymphedema

Abstract

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Surgical Applications of Lymphatic Vessel Visualization Using Photoacoustic Imaging and Augmented Reality

“…The imaging examination that uses PAI to depict lymphatic vessels is called photoacoustic lymphangiography (PAL). Lymphatic vessels and veins can be clearly identified compared with NIRF [ 15 , 16 ]. First, for the surgical application of PAL technology, it is necessary to ensure that the PAL matches the actual surgical field.…”

“…Lymphatic vessels in patients with lymphedema deteriorate as edema gradually progresses, as shown in a study using NIRF [ 10 ]. Since the images obtained by PAI correlate with NIRF, this technique may be useful in establishing a preoperative plan for LVA patients [ 16 ]. Herein, this paper introduces a new imaging technique to facilitate the surgical treatment of lymphedema.…”

Three-dimensional analysis of dermal backflow in cancer-related lymphedema using photoacoustic lymphangiography

“…Photoacoustic imaging has high spatial resolution and the ability to image both endogenous agents (such as oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and melanin) and exogenous agents (such as ICG). Previous studies [13,[15][16][17] obtained three-dimensional images of superficial lymphatic vessels in healthy participants and lymphedema patients. PAL revealed high spatial resolution images that could identify lymphatic vessels up to 0.2 mm in size.…”

The New Imaging Techniques in Reconstructive Microsurgery: A New Revolution in Perforator Flaps and Lymphatic Surgery

“…The intraoperative microscope-integrated laser tomography 21 allows to have more intraoperative details of lymphatic channel morphology and anastomosis quality and photoacoustic technologies are emerging as a further low-invasive three-dimensional technology for preoperative evaluation of microvascular and lymphatic anatomy. 22 The advances in technologies must be strictly followed by plastic surgeons and microsurgeons as the power of new imaging technology may further improve safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of microsurgery and may lead to new frontiers also eventually integrating such technologies with the augmented reality 23 and the artificial intelligence of software.…”

“…The intraoperative microscope-integrated laser tomography 21 allows to have more intraoperative details of lymphatic channel morphology and anastomosis quality and photoacoustic technologies are emerging as a further low-invasive three-dimensional technology for preoperative evaluation of microvascular and lymphatic anatomy. 22 …”