Near-Infrared Tool Improves Gland Detection in Thyroid Surgery
August 4, 2025
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2 min
7 Key Takeaways
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1
NIRAF improves parathyroid gland identification.
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2
Most benefit seen in surgical trainees.
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3
Operative times comparable to control groups.
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4
No significant reduction in hypoparathyroidism rates.
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5
Reduced need for frozen section analysis during thyroidectomy.
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6
Conducted from March 2020 to July 2024 with 754 patients.
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7
Study led by Alexandria G. Cousart from Vanderbilt University.
A multicenter randomized trial involving 754 patients examined the effectiveness of fiber-based near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) during endocrine neck surgeries. Conducted from March 2020 to July 2024, results showed improved identification of parathyroid glands, particularly during thyroidectomy and bilateral parathyroidectomy, with trainees benefiting the most. However, rates of postoperative hypoparathyroidism remained unchanged, and median operative times were comparable between NIRAF and control groups. The lead researcher, Alexandria G. Cousart, emphasized the intraoperative advantages without extending surgery duration.
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