Fluorescence Guided Surgery (FGS) is a cutting edge imaging technology

Fluorescence Guided Surgery is a medical imaging technique that allows surgeons to operate with more information, and therefore with more precision. One of the unique features of this technology is that it allows for advanced imaging in real time, during your operation. Older imaging technologies like X Rays are like a paper map that you might have used to plan a trip. Fluorescence imaging is like a GPS, offering accurate and detailed information and guidance in real time. The benefit to the surgeon is obvious and significant.

Fluorescence Guided Surgery is simple and safe. A dye approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is injected into the patient and the dye then circulates throughout the bloodstream. This dye was actually approved by the FDA in 1959 but it wasn’t until recent advancements in camera technology that it became practical to utilize it during surgery. These cameras are capable of seeing the dye in the infrared spectrum of light that is invisible to the naked eye. Quite simply, the image the surgeon sees shows the dye glowing bright green wherever there is healthy blood flow. Importantly, areas of poor blood flow do not illuminate.

What is Fluoresence Guided Surgery?

Major benefits of Fluorescence Guided Surgery

One of the key benefits of fluorescence is the ability for the surgeon to see blood vessels that are buried beneath other tissues. In the past the surgeon had to rely on their knowledge of anatomy alone to guide their surgery. Now they can enhance this knowledge by confirming with their own eyes a complete picture of the patient’s anatomy. In addition to blood vessels, fluorescence can illuminate critical structures like those that are involved in a gall bladder procedure. Use the slider below and drag left and right to see the dramatic difference that fluorescence offers during a procedure. Which view would you prefer your surgeon to see?

Patient – Doctor Discussion Guide

Patient Brochure: Fluorescence Guided Surgery (FGS) Techniques

Download and print this informational patient brochure about Fluorescence Guided Surgery and bring it to your doctor to discuss your options.

Drag the slider to see the difference between what a surgeon sees using standard white light vs. what they can see using fluorescent light

Traditional surgeon's viewSurgeon's view with fluorescence imaging

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