A Study of Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with ICG during Reconstructive Gynecologic Surgery
This clinical trial examines whether imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence improves surgical planning and post-operative recovery. In current clinical practice, during gynecologic surgery with skin flap reconstruction, the surgeons look closely (with the naked eye; no imaging techniques) at the skin flaps to assess circulation of blood through tissues (perfusion) and, if needed, change surgical plans to reduce complications. Researchers may find it is easier to see (visualize) areas of higher and lower perfusion during surgery by using special dyes or imaging agents that “light up” tissues with higher perfusion. ICG targets the plasma proteins in the blood, and the NIR imaging device detects the ICG and tracks the areas of higher or lower perfusion. Intra-operative imaging with ICG and NIR angiography may provide more accurate information about tissue perfusion than estimates based on a “naked eye” inspection of the skin and tissues.