Infrared Lymphangiography as a Method of Sentinel Node Identification

Subjects receive 0.9ml of ICG subcutaneously about the primary melanoma. The ICG has an infrared signal that is detected with the SPY Elite system (Lifecell). The ICG travels through the lymphatics to the sentinel node.

Technetium99 is a standard, widely used radiopharmaceutical that is injected subcutaneoulsy about the primary melanoma site. Lymphoscintigraphy is performed to identify the draining nodal basin, and a gamma probe is used in the operating room to track the radioactive signal and find the sentinel node.

Subjects receive 0.5-2ml of methylene blue subcutaneously about the primary melanoma at the time of surgery. The sentinel node should turn blue, which is visible with the naked eye.