Diverse applications for near infra-red intraoperative imaging

Abstract

Background: Near infra-red angiography using Indocyanine Green (ICG) has increasingly used as a tool for intraoperative diagnostics.

Aims: The aim of this review is to explore the applications of ICG fluorescence angiography with particular emphasis on general surgical applications.

Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted to identify and summarise the diverse range of applications of ICG fluorescence.

Results: ICG fluorescence angiography is increasingly used in a number of general surgical applications, including identification of colorectal liver metastases, assessment of skin flap perfusion, diagnosis of peritoneal endometriosis, ureteric identification, and localisation of colonic pathology.

Discussion: ICG fluorescence angiography has clinical application in many areas as a tool for guiding surgical resection.

Conclusion: With the technological developments in near infra-red imaging it is likely that ICG fluorescence will play an increasing role in many routine surgical procedures.

Keywords: Fluorescence angiography; Indocyanine Green; Surgery.