Innovative intraoperative visualisation of the sentinel lymph node with the Sentinella system
In the field of oncological surgery, accurate detection of the sentinel lymph node plays a fundamental role in treatment planning and patient prognosis. Oncovision's Sentinella is a portable radio-guided surgery system that enables real time visualization of radiotracer uptake in sentinel lymph nodes within the operating theatre itself.
The unique approach of Sentinella lies in its complete integration of high-resolution imaging equipment and advanced analysis software, all in a compact and easily transportable format. Designed for demanding surgical environments, the device has an ergonomic arm equipped with a laser pointer, providing stable and targeted visualisation even in complex or difficult-to-access anatomical areas. It is easy to use thanks to an intuitive interface that allows for single-handed operation in a sterile environment.
One of the major advantages of Sentinella is its ability to reduce false negative rates. It detects lymph nodes that are missed by other methods, particularly in areas such as the head, neck and deep drainage areas. In addition, the continuous crystal gamma camera generates very high-quality images, making it possible to detect even weak signals, which is crucial in precision surgery.
The embedded software plays a key role in enriching the clinical experience with features such as region of interest ( ROI) creation , dynamic image management, dual tracer support, DICOM export, and systematic documentation of the various stages of the procedure. This allows clinicians to compare images before and after excision, ensuring that all targeted lymph nodes have been completely removed.
In a standard procedure, Sentinella is used at several key moments: it visualises the areas of interest before incision, confirms intraoperative detection of the sentinel lymph node, and then documents the excision by providing a "clean field" image confirming the absence of residual radioactivity. These steps enhance the traceability and safety of the surgical procedure.
Suitable for a wide range of clinical indications, including breast cancer, melanoma, gynaecological and urological cancers, Sentinella has been validated in thousands of procedures worldwide and is supported by a solid body of clinical literature. By enabling more targeted, less invasive and better documented surgery, it significantly improves the quality of care and outcomes for patients.
