A NEW DYNAMIC IMAGING TOOL TO STUDY LYMPHOEDEMA AND ASSOCIATED TREATMENTS

Abstract

The quest of imaging the superficial lymphatic network with the help of contrasting products started already more than 200 years ago. Because of the physiological specificity, the limpidness and the smallness of lymphatic vessels, researchers have always had a difficult task in the search of a specific tracer, that could be sensitive enough for lymphatics, affordable and suitable for in vivo examinations with a minimum of risk. Indocyanine green has already been used in angiology, but is new in lymphology. Its application in lymphology completes in an original manner the arsenal of imaging tools in this field. A specific camera, equipped with an infra-red diode and an uv-captor allows a mapping of the functional superficial lymphatic network after injection of Indocyanine green. A physiotherapist collaborating with the examinator by exerting manual lymphatic drainage during the examination, increases the amount of information produced by the images. Therefore, the surgeon, the clinician and the physiotherapist get precious indications for the follow-up and the therapeutic choices in the treatment of lymphoedema.