The role of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography in head and neck reconstruction: a systematic review

This systematic review examined the use of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography (ICG-FA) to evaluate flap viability in reconstructive head and neck surgery. PUBMED, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically reviewed. Key outcomes assessed were feasibility of intraoperative ICG-FA, intraoperative alterations, postoperative monitoring, and the predictive value of ICG-FA for flap viability. Fourteen observational cohort studies were included (total n = 1826). ICG-FA was integrated into surgical workflows with minimal disruptions. It helped guide intraoperative alterations and decisions, such as flap design and re-anastomosis. For postoperative monitoring, ICG-FA supported early detection of perfusion deficits, enabling timely interventions. Quantitative perfusion thresholds for impaired viability were mostly relative, ranging from 20% to 50% fluorescence reduction compared to reference areas, derived either retrospectively or based on predefined cutoffs. ICG-FA appears to be a feasible tool for real-time perfusion assessment in head and neck reconstruction. However, the evidence its clinical applicability remains limited by methodological heterogeneity and a serious risk of bias in a proportion of the included studies. Standardization of protocols and prospective validation are needed to enhance clinical application.

Abstract aus PubMed (NCBI) für den zitierten Eintrag, in der Originalsprache wiedergegeben. Maßgeblich ist die Fassung der Originalpublikation.

Das Abstract wird nicht übersetzt, damit die eigene Wortwahl der Autoren erhalten bleibt.

Systematic review of 14 observational cohort studies (total n=1826) found indocyanine green fluorescence angiography feasible for intraoperative and postoperative flap perfusion assessment in head and neck reconstruction, though evidence remains limited by heterogeneity and bias risk.

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

Weitere begutachtete Studien in der Kategorie „Klinische Studien“.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Auswirkungen der Hirudotherapie auf Leberfunktionen, Lipidprofil und Insulinsensitivität bei Ratten mit metabolischem Syndrom — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Wirksamkeit der Therapie mit medizinischen Blutegeln bei unterschiedlichen klinischen Anwendungen: Eine umfassende Studie aus Aserbaidschan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)
• Improvement of patient care through hirudotherapy and the management of leeches from their reception to their disposal in France — Vaesken C et al. (2023)

Alle von der ASH analysierten Studien →