Review of indocyanine green imaging in surgery

Abstract

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye that has been used in medical diagnostics for almost six decades. It was first used clinically to evaluate liver function and later in cardiology and retinal angiography. The binding and spectral properties of ICG have enabled the development of new imaging systems for several surgical specialities. The introduction of new clinical applications has been especially rapid during the last few years. Here ICG fluorescence imaging described in publications during the last couple of years (January 2012 March 2014) is reviewed in the areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac, vascular, oncological, and hepatic surgery. In addition to clinical applications, some technical aspects and potential future developments of ICG-based fluorescent imaging are discussed.