Fluorescent markers can make surgery more specific by enhancing contrast during tissue resection in certain types of disease. Pressure-Enhanced Sensing Surgery (PRESS) uses a commonly available human precursor molecule, 5-Aminolevulinic Acid, to stimulate immediate fluorescence when there is hypoxia present. This pre-contrast agent is metabolized into heme in most human cells, but produces a red fluorescent molecule, protoporphyrin IX, as an intermediate contrast agent. PpIX delayed fluorescence is amplified in low oxygen environment of tissue. PRESS contrast can be used through tissue palpation, leading to contrast greater than 5 in pancreatic, brain, ovarian and head & neck tumors. PRESS imaging is the first real-time widefield acquisition of palpation response in vivo, making it a valuable tool for highlighting hypoxic tissues and guiding oncologic surgical resection.
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