Real-time intraoperative surgical telepathology using confocal laser endomicroscopy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Communication between neurosurgeons and pathologists is mandatory for intraoperative decision-making and optimization of resection, especially for invasive masses. Handheld confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) technology provides in vivo intraoperative visualization of tissue histoarchitecture at cellular resolution. The authors evaluated the feasibility of using an innovative surgical telepathology software platform (TSP) to establish real-time, on-the-fly remote communication between the neurosurgeon using CLE and the pathologist. METHODS CLE and a TSP were integrated into the surgical workflow for 11 patients with brain masses (6 patients with gliomas, 3 with other primary tumors, 1 with metastasis, and 1 with reactive brain tissue). Neurosurgeons used CLE to generate video-flow images of the operative field that were displayed on monitors in the operating room. The pathologist simultaneously viewed video-flow CLE imaging using a digital tablet and communicated with the surgeon while physically located outside the operating room (1 pathologist was in another state, 4 were at home, and 6 were elsewhere in the hospital). Interpretations of the still CLE images and video-flow CLE imaging were compared with the findings on the corresponding frozen and permanent H&E histology sections. RESULTS Overall, 24 optical biopsies were acquired with mean ± SD 2 ± 1 optical biopsies per case. The mean duration of CLE system use was 1 ± 0.3 minutes/case and 0.25 ± 0.23 seconds/optical biopsy. The first image with identifiable histopathological features was acquired within 6 ± 0.1 seconds. Frozen sections were processed within 23 ± 2.8 minutes, which was significantly longer than CLE usage (p < 0.001). Video-flow CLE was used to correctly interpret tissue histoarchitecture in 96% of optical biopsies, which was substantially higher than the accuracy of using still CLE images (63%) (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS When CLE is employed in tandem with a TSP, neurosurgeons and pathologists can view and interpret CLE images remotely and in real time without the need to biopsy tissue. A TSP allowed neurosurgeons to receive real-time feedback on the optically interrogated tissue microstructure, thereby improving cross-functional communication and intraoperative decision-making and resulting in significant workflow advantages over the use of frozen section analysis.

Dynamic real‐time optical microscopy of oral mucosal lesions using confocal laser endomicroscopy

“…12,28 Intravenous fluorescein is the most commonly used agent in the colon, esophagus and stomach, 28 and would be perfectly suited datasets. 30 Furthermore, future application of machine learning algorithms for enhanced diagnostic imaging can provide standardisation of diagnostic features and facilitate interpretation, which would be particularly useful for the non-specialist clinician/pathologist operator.…”

“…Moving forward, it is necessary to assess fsdCLE diagnostic performance in the hands of a wider variety of clinical and surgical practitioners, and determine the extent and efficacy of training required for broader implementation. Technology can also play a role in this process since telepathology may be employed where pathologists can interpret CLE findings for clinicians/surgeons by live‐streaming CLE datasets 30 . Furthermore, future application of machine learning algorithms for enhanced diagnostic imaging can provide standardisation of diagnostic features and facilitate interpretation, which would be particularly useful for the non‐specialist clinician/pathologist operator.…”

Characterization of ex vivo and in vivo intraoperative neurosurgical confocal laser endomicroscopy imaging

“…Artifacts introduced by blood, air bubbles, or fluid on the imaging surface may mimic tumor cells or other structures that interfere with image interpretation. However, with the help of an innovative telesurgical pathology software platform based on the in vivo CLE system that allows pathologists to interpret the scanned tissue in real time and simultaneously interact with a neurosurgeon intraoperatively, such artifact-related disadvantages may be minimized, and the efficiency of diagnosis and surgical decisions enhanced ( 18 , 45 , 46 ).…”

Intraoperative confocal laser endomicroscopy: prospective in vivo feasibility study of a clinical-grade system for brain tumors

“…Neurosurgeons viewed the CLE images on the monitor as they were obtained, while the system recorded the images. A recently developed surgical telepathology software platform (TSP) 13,14 was available for the last 11 cases, which provided real-time intraoperative neuropathology consultation. The user experience and usability of the CLE system were assessed using a 5-point scoring system (1-5: lowest to highest).…”