First-in-human clinical trials of imaging devices: An example from optical imaging

Clinical translation of scientific discoveries is often the long-term goal of academic medical research. However, this goal is not always realized due to the complicated path between bench research and clinical use. In this review, we outline the fundamental steps required for first-in-human testing of a new imaging device, and use the FLAREtrade (Fluorescence-Assisted Resection and Exploration) near-infrared fluorescence optical imaging platform as an example.