Sentinel lymph node mapping using ICG fluorescence or cone beam CT - a rabbit model feasibility study

Abstract

Background Current sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) techniques, including use of radioisotopes, have disadvantages including the use of a radioactive tracer. Indocyanine green (ICG) based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and cone beam CT (CBCT) have advantages for intraoperative use. However, limited literature exists regarding their use in head and neck cancer SLNB.Methods This was a prospective, non-randomized study using a rabbit oral cavity VX2 squamous cell carcinoma model which develops lymph node metastasis. Pre-operatively, images were acquired by MicroCT and DCE-MRI. CBCT and NIR fluorescence imaging of ICG was used to map and guide the SLNB resection.Results Intraoperative use of ICG to guide fluorescence resection resulted in identification of all lymph nodes identified by pre-operative CT. CBCT was useful for near real time intraoperative imaging and 3D reconstruction.Conclusions This pre-clinical study further demonstrates the technical feasibility, limitations and advantages of intraoperative NIR-guided ICG imaging for SLN identification as a complementary method during head and neck surgery.