Infracyanine green

Infracyanine Green is a fluorescent dye used in medical applications, particularly in ophthalmology. It is a tricarbocyanine dye that is used to enhance visualization during certain surgical procedures.

History

Infracyanine Green was first synthesized in the late 20th century. Its unique properties, including its ability to fluoresce under certain light conditions, made it a valuable tool in various fields of medicine.

Properties

Infracyanine Green is a tricarbocyanine dye. It has a peak absorption wavelength of approximately 780 nm, and it fluoresces in the near-infrared range. This makes it particularly useful in procedures that require enhanced visualization, such as vitreoretinal surgery.

Medical Applications

Infracyanine Green is most commonly used in ophthalmology, particularly in vitreoretinal surgery. It is used to stain the internal limiting membrane (ILM), which allows surgeons to better visualize the ILM during surgery. This can help to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

In addition to its use in ophthalmology, Infracyanine Green has also been used in other fields of medicine. For example, it has been used in cardiovascular surgery to visualize blood vessels and in oncology to visualize tumors.

Safety and Side Effects

Like all medical interventions, the use of Infracyanine Green is not without risk. Potential side effects include allergic reactions, changes in vision, and, in rare cases, retinal damage. However, these risks are generally considered to be low, and the benefits of using Infracyanine Green in surgical procedures often outweigh the potential risks.

See Also

• Fluorescent dye
• Ophthalmology
• Vitreoretinal surgery
• Internal limiting membrane