ICG-augmented hyperspectral imaging for visualization of intestinal perfusion compared to conventional ICG fluorescence imaging: an experimental study

Background: Small bowel malperfusion (SBM) can cause high morbidity and severe surgical consequences. However, there is no standardized objective measuring tool for the quantification of SBM. Indocyanine green (ICG) imaging can be used for visualization, but lacks standardization and objectivity. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) as a newly emerging technology in medicine might present advantages over conventional ICG fluorescence or in combination with it.

Methods: HSI baseline data from physiological small bowel, avascular small bowel and small bowel after intravenous application of ICG was recorded in a total number of 54 in-vivo pig models. Visualizations of avascular small bowel after mesotomy were compared between HSI only (1), ICG-augmented HSI (IA-HSI) (2), clinical evaluation through the eyes of the surgeon (3) and conventional ICG imaging (4). The primary research focus was the localization of resection borders as suggested by each of the four methods. Distances between these borders were measured and histological samples were obtained from the regions in between in order to quantify necrotic changes 6 h after mesotomy for every region.

Results: StO2 images (1) were capable of visualizing areas of physiological perfusion and areas of clearly impaired perfusion. However, exact borders where physiological perfusion started to decrease could not be clearly identified. Instead, IA-HSI (2) suggested a sharp-resection line where StO2 values started to decrease. Clinical evaluation (3) suggested a resection line 23 mm (±7 mm) and conventional ICG imaging (4) even suggested a resection line 53 mm (±13 mm) closer towards the malperfused region. Histopathological evaluation of the region that was sufficiently perfused only according to conventional ICG (R3) already revealed a significant increase in pre-necrotic changes in 27% (±9%) of surface area. Therefore, conventional ICG seems less sensitive than IA-HSI with regards to detection of insufficient tissue perfusion.

Conclusions: In this experimental animal study, IA-HSI (2) was superior for the visualization of segmental SBM compared to conventional HSI imaging (1), clinical evaluation (3) or conventional ICG imaging (4) regarding histopathological safety. ICG application caused visual artifacts in the StO2 values of the HSI camera as values significantly increase. This is caused by optical properties of systemic ICG and does not resemble a true increase in oxygenation levels. However, this empirical finding can be used to visualize segmental SBM utilizing ICG as contrast agent in an approach for IA-HSI. Clinical applicability and relevance will have to be explored in clinical trials.

Level of evidence: Not applicable. Translational animal science. Original article.