Novel Fluorescent Probes for Intraoperative Cholangiography

Intraoperative fluorescence optical imaging of the biliary ducts has been recently shown to be an effective and economically viable imaging methodology for the prevention of biliary injury. While the exploitation of fluorescence imaging during biliary surgeries may still be relatively new, recent efforts have been made toward the development of novel near-infrared (NIR) optical imaging contrast agents with the goal to reduce unwanted intraoperative occurrences. The focus of this chapter is centered on the exploration of novel types of biliary-excreted contrast agents aimed at improving the current state of fluorescence cholangiography.