Intraoperative near-infrared autofluorescence imaging of parathyroid glands.

Objective: To identify parathyroid glands intraoperatively by exposing their autofluorescence using near-infrared light.

Methods: Fluorescence imaging was carried out during minimally invasive and open parathyroid and thyroid surgery. After identification, the parathyroid glands as well as the surrounding tissue were exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light with a wavelength of 690-770 nm using a modified Karl Storz near-infrared/indocyanine green (NIR/ICG) endoscopic system.