Authors: T J A Snoeks P B A A van Driel S Keereweer S Aime K M Brindle G M van Dam C W G M Löwik V Ntziachristos A L Vahrmeijer
Publish Date: 2013/11/19
Volume: 16, Issue: 2, Pages: 147-151
Abstract
During the European Molecular Imaging Meeting EMIM 2013 the fluorescenceguided surgery study group held its inaugural session to discuss the clinical implementation of fluorescenceguided surgery The general aim of this study group is to discuss and identify the steps required to successfully and safely bring intraoperative fluorescence imaging to the clinics The focus group intends to use synergies between interested groups as a tool to address regulatory and implementation hurdles in Europe and operates within the intraoperative focus group of the World Molecular Imaging Society WMIS that promotes the same interests at the WMIS level The major topics on the critical path of implementation identified within the study group were quality controls and standards for ensuring accurate imaging and the ability to compare results from different studies regulatory affairs and strategies to increase awareness among physicians regulators insurance companies and a broader audience These hurdles and the possible actions discussed to overcome them are summarized in this report Furthermore a number of recommendations for the future shape of the fluorescenceguided study group are discussed A main driving conclusion remains that intraoperative imaging has great clinical potential and that many of the solutions required are best addressed with the community working together to optimally promote and accelerate the clinical implementation of fluorescence imaging towards improving surgical procedures
Keywords: