Diverse applications for near infra-red intraoperative imaging

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.