Learn about the benefits that Fluorescence Guided Surgery can provide

After mastectomy or lumpectomy, women may choose to have their breast reconstructed surgically. There are some risks that are specific to this type of surgery that are important to understand. A technology called Fluorescence Guided Surgery may help to minimize some of these risks associated with breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast reconstruction often involves the removal of tissue from one area of your body, that is transplanted to the breast area, which is then used to recreate a natural looking breast. Healthy blood flow will enable healing of the breast area and reduce the risk of post-operative complications. Without adequate blood flow the reconstructed breast area will be unable to heal. Historically surgeons have relied on their training, judgement, and visual perception to determine if blood flow is adequate, but complications still arise.

Today surgeons can administer a dye that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that rapidly attaches to blood that circulates throughout your body. The unique property of this dye is that it will glow when illuminated with an infrared light and imaged with an infrared camera. The image of the reconstruction is viewed in the operating room in real time during the procedure. Areas of the reconstruction that have good blood supply will glow brightly, and importantly, areas of compromised blood flow will appear dark. The surgeon can make adjustments during the procedure to ensure that the reconstruction has good blood flow, with the best chance of success. Use the slider to the right to see for yourself how helpful Fluorescence Guided Surgery can be when used during breast reconstruction surgery.

If you’re considering breast reconstruction use the search function on this page to find a surgeon in your area that utilizes this technology.