Safety and feasibility of near-infrared image-guided lymphatic mapping of regional lymph nodes in esophageal cancer.

Objective: To assess safety and feasibility of an intraoperative, minimally invasive near-infrared (NIR) image-guided approach to lymphatic mapping in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods: Although local lymph nodes (LNs) are removed with the esophageal specimen, no techniques are available to identify the regional LNs (separate from the esophagus) during esophagectomy. We hypothesize that NIR imaging can identify regional LNs with the potential to improve staging and guide the extent of lymphadenectomy.

Predictors of diagnostic success with renal artery duplex ultrasonography.

Background: Renal artery duplex ultrasonography (RA-DUS) is commonly used for the evaluation and follow-up of renal artery atherosclerotic disease. In a complete study, renal artery flow is evaluated from the vessel origin to the intraparenchymal branches. The quality of RA-DUS is in part technologist-dependent, but many factors may affect the ability to complete a diagnostic examination.