BACKGROUND: We investigated whether fluorescent agents, especially vitamin B2, can act as tracers for intraoperative pulmonary sentinel node mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vitamin B2, fluorescent beads, and green fluorescent protein (GFP) were each injected into pulmonary parenchyma in 4 pigs (experiment 1). The safety of each tracer was also verified in 12 rats (experiment 2). RESULTS: Experiment 1: In all groups, the sentinel lymph node was identified in 3 out of the 4 pigs (75%). Speed of agent dispersion: vitamin B2>GFP >fluorescent beads. Level of fluorescence judged as: vitamin B2>GFP=fluorescent beads. Experiment 2: In all groups, all rats survived until sacrifice without complications. In the fluorescent beads group, the fluorescent beads remained in the blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Vitamin B2 is inexpensive, safe and easy to apply. It is anticipated that clinical application of vitamin B2 for intraoperative pulmonary sentinel node mapping will become possible.
BACKGROUND: We investigated whether fluorescent agents, especially vitamin B2, can act as tracers for intraoperative pulmonary sentinel node mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Vitamin B2, fluorescent beads, and green fluorescent protein (GFP) were each injected into pulmonary parenchyma in 4 pigs (experiment 1). The safety of each tracer was also verified in 12 rats (experiment 2). RESULTS: Experiment 1: In all groups, the sentinel lymph node was identified in 3 out of the 4 pigs (75%). Speed of agent dispersion: vitamin B2>GFP >fluorescent beads. Level of fluorescence judged as: vitamin B2>GFP=fluorescent beads. Experiment 2: In all groups, all rats survived until sacrifice without complications. In the fluorescent beads group, the fluorescent beads remained in the blood vessels. CONCLUSION:Vitamin B2 is inexpensive, safe and easy to apply. It is anticipated that clinical application of vitamin B2 for intraoperative pulmonary sentinel node mapping will become possible.