Near-Infrared Autofluorescence-Guided Parathyroid Identification During Thyroidectomy

Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging is being evaluated as a structured adjunct to standard thyroidectomy for localization and preservation of parathyroid tissue. Parathyroid tissue emits intrinsic near-infrared autofluorescence without administration of dye or other contrast agent. The study imaging platform is a modified head-mounted stereoscopic goggle system that provides near-infrared excitation at approximately 780 nm and detects autofluorescence centered near 800 nm. Imaging is non-contact and is performed only during a brief prespecified in vivo mapping interval and ex vivo back-table specimen interrogation.

The study includes a run-in validation component followed by a randomized interventional component. In the run-in component, ex vivo imaging of thyroidectomy specimens is used to standardize imaging conditions, documentation, suture marking, specimen mapping, and pathology correlation for NIRAF-positive foci. In the randomized component, participants undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy are randomized to standard surgery or standard surgery plus adjunct NIRAF mapping. In the intervention arm, the surgeon records parathyroid glands identified under white light before mapping, then uses NIRAF information as an adjunct to standard anatomy and surgical judgment. After thyroid removal, ex vivo specimen imaging may be used to identify NIRAF-bright foci that could represent inadvertently excised parathyroid tissue. Rescue autotransplantation may be performed only when clinically appropriate and oncologically safe.

NIRAF findings are intended to supplement, not replace, standard operative assessment, surgical anatomy, pathology review, or oncologic decision-making.