[Objective evaluation of the microcirculation in the skin with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). A method for the clinic?].

In some cases, assessment of the microcirculation of tissues can be very difficult. Various methods have been proposed for evaluating microcirculation, none of which has so far established itself for clinical use. Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA) is a suitable and objective method for quantifying microcirculation and due to the pharmacocinetic properties of this dye the prospects for clinical application of this fluorescence technique are rather promising. In an experimental animal study, postoperative changes of microcirculation were examined in a skin flap. The day of operation, ICGA showed pathophysiologic changes of the microcirculation which was corrected during the postoperative phase. This new state of haemodynamic equilibrium was objectively quantified by ICGA. The objectivity and repeatability within short time intervals speak for clinical application after adequate development and experience. The indication has to be clarified in each case. Rare incidence of negative reactions should be kept in mind.