Indocyanine green imaging: the application in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Indocyanine green (ICG) imaging is an innovative imaging technique that uses green ICG powder as a fluorescent contrast agent. Through real-time tissue assessment (blood flow and lymphatics), ICG imaging can facilitate the plastic surgeon's perioperative decision-making and improve surgical precision. This thesis describes several factors (including light, distance, camera angle, penetration depth) that influence fluorescence intensity and the quality of ICG imaging. In addition, the influence of noradrenaline (on intestinal tissue blood flow) is described. This thesis also describes a number of applications and the effect of ICG imaging in plastic and reconstructive surgery: prevention of skin flap necrosis and the influence of the internal mammary artery and its application in lymphatic surgery and abdominal wall reconstructions.