Infracyanine (Indocyanine Green)

Infracyanine is employed in diagnostic imaging procedures that require visualization of vascular and tissue perfusion.

• Fluorescence angiography: enables detailed visualization of retinal and choroidal blood flow during ophthalmic imaging, aiding diagnosis of vascular eye disorders.
• Hepatic function assessment: provides quantitative measurement of liver blood flow and function, supporting evaluation of hepatic perfusion and disease.
• Cardiac output measurement: allows real‑time assessment of cardiac output and blood volume during cardiovascular studies.
• Intraoperative fluorescence imaging: highlights tissue perfusion and vascular structures during surgery, assisting surgeons in identifying critical anatomy.

• Indocyanine Green binds rapidly to plasma proteins, especially albumin, after intravenous injection. The protein‑bound dye absorbs light in the near‑infrared spectrum (≈800 nm) and emits fluorescence at a slightly longer wavelength. This near‑infrared fluorescence penetrates tissue, allowing real‑time imaging of blood vessels and perfused organs with specialized cameras, thereby providing clinicians with functional vascular information during clinical diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Adverse reactions to Infracyanine are generally infrequent but may occur following intravenous administration.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild transient nausea reported shortly after injection.
• Headache: occasional mild headache during or after the procedure.
• Injection site pain: brief discomfort at the venous access site.
• Flushing: transient facial or upper body flushing.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylactic reaction: severe allergic response that may include airway compromise.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure requiring medical intervention.
• Cardiac arrest: rare occurrence of sudden cardiac arrest during imaging.

Prior to using Infracyanine, clinicians should observe specific safety considerations to minimize risk.

• Allergy assessment: confirm no known hypersensitivity to indocyanine green or iodine‑containing compounds.
• Cardiac status: evaluate cardiovascular stability, as rapid dye injection can affect hemodynamics.
• Liver function: assess hepatic function because the dye is primarily cleared by the liver.
• Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use unless the potential benefit justifies potential risk, as safety data are limited.
• Concomitant medications: review drugs that may influence vascular tone or cause hypersensitivity.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake the vial.

Indocyanine Green may interact with certain agents, altering its safety or diagnostic performance.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Iodinated contrast media: combined use can increase risk of hypersensitivity reactions.
• Beta‑blockers: may blunt cardiovascular responses measured during dye‑based cardiac output studies.
• Thyroid hormone therapy: can interfere with hepatic clearance of the dye.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Anticoagulants: monitor for bleeding if invasive imaging is performed concurrently.
• Diuretics: may affect plasma protein binding and dye distribution.
• Corticosteroids: can modify vascular permeability, potentially influencing imaging results.