Multimodal Shortwave Infrared Imaging for Visualization of Injection Laryngoplasty

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Roy K. Park - , Stanford University (Author)
  • Melissa C. Lee - , Stanford University (Author)
  • Simon Härtl - , National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (Author)
  • Bernardo A. Arús - , National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (Author)
  • Brian Nuyen - , Stanford University (Author)
  • Chih Kwang Sung - , Stanford University (Author)
  • Fred M. Baik - , Stanford University (Author)
  • Oliver T. Bruns - , German Cancer Research Center, partner site Dresden, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (Author)
  • Tulio A. Valdez - , Stanford University (Author)

Abstract

Objective: Injection laryngoplasty relies on accurate placement of filler, which can be difficult to visualize in the visible light spectrum (400-700 nm). Shortwave infrared (SWIR, 1000-2000 nm) wavelengths offer advantages due to increased penetration depth and reduced scattering. The study aims to perform a multispectral characterization of the larynx in the SWIR and to provide accurate visualization of injection laryngoplasty via SWIR imaging techniques. Study Design: Basic science. Setting: Laboratory. Methods: Larynges were prepared from fresh porcine samples and preserved human cadaveric specimens. Using a custom SWIR imaging system, multispectral imaging was conducted on porcine and human larynges at 1050, 1200, 1300, 1450, 1550, and 1650 nm. Following injection laryngoplasty with common injection agents (saline, carboxymethylcellulose gel, and calcium hydroxyapatite sphere suspension), larynges were imaged with different SWIR imaging modalities: reflection imaging and fluorescence imaging (798 nm excitation). Results: Multispectral imaging of the larynx revealed a significant increase in contrast between the vocal fold stratified squamous epithelium and adjacent respiratory mucosa at 1550 nm compared to visible light. With injection laryngoplasty, saline and superficial carboxymethylcellulose gel injections were successfully visualized and localized at 1550 nm. Calcium hydroxyapatite sphere suspension had SWIR fluorescence properties due to hydroxyapatite, allowing visualization and material localization during injection. Conclusion: Multimodal SWIR imaging can successfully provide accurate visualization of filler materials during injection laryngoplasty. This novel visualization technique opens the path toward precision-guided surgical techniques in laryngology.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)185-194
Number of pages10
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (United States)
Volume174
Issue number1
Early online date17 Oct 2025
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 41104838

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • fluorescence, label-free imaging, laryngeal surgery, near infrared, shortwave infrared