| Theme |
Re-thinking Chromoendoscopy |
| Title |
Development of Near-infrared Fluorescent Probes for Molecular Imaging |
| Author |
Shunsuke Ohnishi |
Internal Medicine, Kushiro Rosai Hospital/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School |
| Author |
Masahiro Asaka |
3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Hokkaido University School of Medicine |
| Author |
John V. Frangioni |
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
Owing to high photon penetration and low autofluorescence in the 700 to 900 nm wavelength range, near-infrared (NIR) light is considered optimal for in vivo imaging. Indocyanine green (ICG), which is FDA-approved for other indications, has been used for in vivo sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping. However, the quantum yield obtained is very low due to low aqueous solubility. Recently, several improved indocyanines have been made available. For example, CW800 (LI-COR) has increased aqueous solubility and is useful for covalent conjugation in targeting / molecules. In addition, inorganic/organic hybrid quantum dots, which produce a very high quantum yield, also permit targeting molecules to be conjugated. We have recently developed intraoperative NIR fluorescence imaging systems that permit anatomy (color video) and function (NIR fluorescence) to be acquired simultaneously and in realtime. The combination of a dedicated imaging system and NIR contrast agents will permit surgery to be performed with sensitive, real-time image guidance. |