Locating and identifying lymph nodes within surgical specimens is a challenging, but vital part of pathology. A laboratory professional’s ability to correctly spot lymph nodes directly affects accurate cancer staging. Therefore, any innovation has tremendous implications on patient care. Unfortunately, in many cases, lymph node yield minimums established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) are left unmet. This most commonly occurs in colorectal resections, specifically those treated with neoadjuvant therapy. When lymph node yield is compromised, patient care suffers. Studies have demonstrated that retrieval of higher numbers of lymph nodes is correlated with better patient outcomes. Therefore, there is great potential for yield improvement and, consequently, impact on patient care.
A new revolutionary tool that’s leading the change for innovation is InVision – an optical imaging device that provides enhanced imaging contrast and assists laboratory professionals in finding lymph nodes. InVision allows clinicians to see lymph nodes like never before. This optical imaging device depicts lymph nodes in high contrast against surrounding adipose tissue – all in real time. There’s no need for injected dyes, fluorescent tags, or radiation.
InVision uses military-grade technology previously unavailable for public use that leverages the difference in water content between lymph nodes and adipose tissue. Infrared light sensing technology helps to enhance visual contrast, and boosts lymph node yield. InVision can be seamlessly integrated into existing anatomic pathology workflows thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of cancer staging.
InVision is a winner of the 2023 Red Dot Design Awards in the medical device and technology category. The success of this technology can be attributed to the pathologists, pathologists’ assistants, and other laboratory professionals who have been at the forefront of its development. The product was built following more than 800 clinician interviews, ten iterations of prototype testing, and valuable input from numerous leaders and innovators throughout the pathology community. This has resulted in a device that is well-tailored for the needs of pathologists and pathologists’ assistants. Not only does InVision provide time-saving and potentially life-saving benefits, but by reducing the need for excess adipose tissue submission, labs can significantly reduce costs.
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