Low-Cost Fluorescein Detection System for High-Grade Glioma Surgery

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative fluorescein detection has been used in the fields of vascular and oncologic neurosurgery since 1948. Modifications of the optics in order to enhance the fluorescence contrast under microscopic view have been developed by many authors. The industries, during the past 10 years, provided commercial high-cost optimized apparatuses. Reviewing the literature, we found that the prototypical techniques were definitely inexpensive but lacked reliability, reproducibility, and standard legal norms. METHODS: We describe the developing of a fluorescein detection system that could be economic, simple, effective, and law abiding. RESULTS: We employed a commercial violet-blue filter designed for fluorescein excitation in endoscopic procedures and used commercial photographic yellow optical filters for fluorescence detection. All the instrumentation is cleared for clinical use, and its cost is up to 200 times lower than commercial apparatuses. CONCLUSION: Our results show a good distinction of fluorescein-stained structures, with overall acceptable operating light conditions.