Technique of mapping sentinel lymph nodes using organic blue dyes combined with fluorescence imaging

摘要

This invention pertains to a combined technique using an organic blue dye and fluorescence imaging to map sentinel lymph nodes. The near-infrared fluorescence emitted by the blue dye is displayed by a fluorescent imaging system after being irradiated by an excitation light whose wavelength is no less than 570 nm. The blue dye is one of methylene blue, Evans blue, isosulfan blue, patent blue, or a combination of them. The invention solves the problem that a comparatively large incision on skin is inevitable when traditional method is used to detect tumors for sentinel lymph node mapping. The technique of this invention for mapping the sentinel lymph nodes eliminates the need for surgical management, since the sentinel lymph nodes in deep tissue are observed directly through the near-infrared fluorescence of the blue dye reducing pain of the patient. It is a non-radiation, convenient, fast, and accurate method with high clinical values.