Automated analysis of investigational near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging in humans

ALFIA (Automated Lymphatic Function Imaging Analysis), an algorithm providing quantitative analysis of investigational near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic images, is described. Images from nine human subjects were analyzed for apparent lymphatic propagation velocities and propulsion periods using manual analysis and ALFIA. While lymphatic propulsion was more easily detected using ALFIA than with manual analysis, statistical analyses indicate no significant difference in the apparent lymphatic velocities although ALFIA tended to calculate longer propulsion periods. With the base ALFIA algorithms validated, further automation can now proceed to provide a clinically relevant analytic tool for quantitatively assessing lymphatic function in humans.