2019 Volume 33 Issue 3 Pages 226-230
The combined technique of using a radioactive tracer and fluorescent dye with indocyanine green (ICG) has been approved by the health insurance system to detect sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in patients with malignant melanomas. In this study, the ICG fluorescence system (LIGHTVISION ; Shimadzu Corporation, Japan) was used in 2 cases of malignant melanoma to detect SLNs and lymphatic flows during operation. This unique system can simultaneously display 3 images of an optical image, a near-infrared fluorescence image, and a combined visible plus near-infrared fluorescence image and capture. Furthermore, to improve the visualization of the lymphatic basin, the color for the near-infrared fluorescence image can be manually changed to white, green, or blue. On the basis of our experience, we propose that LIGHTVISION can identify SLNs with higher sensitivity and contrast than other detection systems. Further prospective study to compare its usefulness with that of other on-label fluorescent detection devices is warranted in patients with malignant melanoma. The fluorescent detection system is expected to be widely utilized in dynamic examinations other than those for lymph vessel detection and remaining liver or cardiovascular function.[Skin Cancer (Japan) 2018 ; 33 : 226-230]
