Use of Indocyanine Green Fluorescent Imaging in the Assessment of a Tongue Flap After Lateral Hemiglossectomy

Abstract

Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is a real-time imaging modality that can be used to assess intraoperative tissue perfusion. ICG dye has proven to be feasible, safe, and cost-effective, especially for muscle flaps during complex reconstructions. To our knowledge, we discuss the first use of ICG angiography for the real-time assessment of a tongue flap following left lateral hemiglossectomy. ICG angiography showed excellent perfusion of the tongue and tongue flap, which subsequently led to an uncomplicated postoperative recovery.

Perfusion Dynamics during Secondary Flap Debulking with Liposuction

“…1,2 In reconstructive microsurgery, ICG fluorescence angiography is mostly used for its predictive qualities regarding skin and flap survival. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] By distinguishing between well-perfused and poorly perfused tissues, ICG fluorescence angiography is fundamental for intraoperative decisionmaking and allows precise tailoring in view of minimal postoperative complications. [19][20][21][22] Because of real-time flow assessment, ICG fluorescence angiography is an accurate modality which has contributed to our understanding of flap dynamics and which is superior to the trained eye of the reconstructive surgeon.…”