Fluorescein Angiography May Improve Outcomes in Nerve Compression Surgeries

As carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) becomes more prevalent due to modern work environments, the need for more accurate diagnostic and surgical interventions has increased. A new study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers highlights the potential of fluorescein angiography, a technique used in neurosurgery and ophthalmology, to help visualize nerve blood flow during surgeries for chronic nerve compression conditions, such as CTS.

The research team tested fluorescein angiography on animal models, including rats and rabbits, and found that it effectively detected reduced neural blood flow in cases of chronic nerve compression. These results were consistent with electrodiagnostic findings, demonstrating that the imaging technique could serve as a reliable method for identifying impaired blood flow in compressed nerves. The researchers then applied this technique in human patients undergoing open carpal tunnel release surgery, where fluorescein angiography data also correlated strongly with electrodiagnostic tests.

This development is significant because surgical decisions in severe cases of chronic nerve compression neuropathy often rely on the surgeon’s experience to determine the appropriate surgical range or the need for additional treatment. Fluorescein angiography may offer a valuable tool to supplement clinical judgment by providing a clearer view of nerve impairment during surgery, potentially improving the accuracy of the procedure.

While further studies are needed to confirm its broader clinical applicability, fluorescein angiography could help surgeons assess neural blood flow more objectively in a range of surgeries for chronic nerve compression, not just carpal tunnel release. The research, published in Neurology International, suggests that this technique holds promise for improving diagnostic precision and patient outcomes across related surgeries.