Fluorescence Technology Analyses Blood Flow in Skin

Novel fluorescence technology enables neurosurgeons to interpret the speed and direction of blood flow precisely and quickly during surgery.

The Infrared 800 and Flow 800 fluorescence modules are completely integrated into the Carl Zeiss Meditec (Jena, Germany) OPMI Pentero surgical microscope platform, enabling an optimal clinical workflow and outcome. The Infrared 800 allows all relevant information to be displayed quickly and clearly on the integrated display during the surgery, and the Flow 800 enables fast, clear presentation of the data. Perfusion status can be immediately determined by visualizing the blood flow simply and on-demand.


Selected areas can be analyzed exactly using curve diagrams, and blood flow anomalies quickly identified using comparative displays. The assessment can aid in the determination of viable tissue during graft surgery, enabling surgeons to evaluate tissue perfusion before transplantation. Vascular occlusions become visible within a few seconds, and treated intraoperatively. The technology is also available for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

“We are pleased that we can now expand the fields of application for our fluorescence methods and therefore also assist doctors in plastic and reconstructive surgery in providing their patients with even better treatment,” said Ludwin Monz, president and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec. “The results of the studies are very promising as they underscore the clinical benefit and innovation potential of the methods for use in different applications.”

“The integration of fluorescence technology into the surgical microscope offers the surgeon more safety and certainty in clinically ambiguous situations during the procedure. Blood flow anomalies can be quickly detected, and the required surgical interventions initiated immediately,” said Professor Riccardo Giunta, MD, of the Ludwig-Maximilians University (Munich, Germany). “The method can predict the complication-free healing of skin and tissue grafts and provide initial indications of thrombosis.”

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