Breast cancer expert, Dr David Weintritt visits India to hold clinical workshops on role of Spy-Phi Fluorescence Imaging technology in breast cancer surgery and reconstruction
Global medical device company, Stryker has launched state-of-the art Fluorescence Imaging (FI) technology, Spy-Phi, for better outcomes and safety of patients suffering from breast cancer. The only-of its-kind technology in the world uses near-infrared fluorescence imaging during cancer surgery that allows real time, clinically significant and actionable information to improve quality of care and lower overall healthcare burden.
During breast cancer surgery, surgeons inject a safe and affordable ICG dye in patients. Using Spy-Phi imaging technology, they can view blood flow in vessels, micro-vessels, tissue perfusion and critical anatomical structures intraoperatively. The relevant tissues light up in fluorescent green colour. The reliability and multiple applications of the imaging are a significant differentiation compared to currently used technologies like Blue dye.
The technology can be used in various procedures, but is especially helpful in mapping of lymphatics, identification of lymph nodes and confirming adequate tissue perfusion for safe breast reconstruction. Once the lymph node is identified, it is removed and then sent for frozen section in the lab to stage the cancer which helps to decide the further line of treatment.
Renowned breast cancer expert, Dr David Weintritt from GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, US, visited India to hold clinical workshops on the role of fluorescence imaging in breast cancer surgery and reconstruction.
“Rising prevalence of cancer and complexity of surgeries we perform is making infrared fluorescence imaging increasingly critical as it is beneficial in detecting pathways of cancer spread more precisely and in preventing complications in breast cancer surgeries. Fluorescence Imaging uses near infrared technology and indocyanine green (ICG) dye that rapidly visualises lymph nodes that can otherwise be challenging for surgeons to navigate. It has the potential to help save and improve lives of many patients suffering from breast cancer. Further, because the information is obtained real time during the surgery, we can now prevent several complications proactively and reduce the overall cost of healthcare,” stated Dr Weintritt.
Meenakshi Nevatia, MD Director, Stryker India, shared, “Spy-Phi is a unique and highly advanced fluorescence imaging technology that can be used in plastics, microsurgical, reconstructive and gastrointestinal procedures. We’re proud to bring Spy-Phi to India and are looking forward to the incredible impact this technology can have in making healthcare better.”
The multicity workshops on fluorescence imaging involved eminent surgical oncologist of India including Dr SVS Deo, Prof and Head, Department of Surgical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi; Dr Harit Chaturvedi, Chairman, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Saket; Prof Chintamani, President – Association of Breast Surgeons of India, Dept of Surgery, Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi; Dr Geeta Kadayaprath, Director, Surgical Oncology, Max Hospital, Vaishali, New Delhi; Dr Mahesh Bandemegal, Head of the Department and Surgical Oncologist, HCG, Bengaluru; Dr Ravi Arujunan, Assistant Professor Surgery, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru; Dr Anil Kamath, Senior Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru; Dr KS Gopinath, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Director – HCG, Bengaluru; Dr Chandra CS Naidu, Senior Consultant, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Hyderabad; Dr Hemanth Vudayaraju, Consultant , Apollo Cancer Institute, Hyderabad; Dr P Raghu Ram, Director and Consultant Surgeon, Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, KIMS, Hyderabad; Dr Praveen K Dadireddy, Consultant Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon, Continental Hospital, Hyderabad.