Recent fluorescence imaging technology applications of indocyanine green in general thoracic surgery

Thoracic surgeons perform a wide variety of cancer operations, which are often associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thus, thoracic surgery involves many special challenges that require innovative solutions. The increased utilization of minimally invasive practices, poor overall cancer survival, and significant morbidity of critical operations remain key obstacles to overcome. Fluorescence imaging technology (FIT), involving the implementation of fluorescent dyes and imaging systems, is currently used as an adjunct for general thoracic surgery in many situations and includes sentinel lymph node mapping, pulmonary intersegmental plane identification, pulmonary nodule identification, pulmonary bullous lesion detection, evaluation of the anastomotic perfusion after tracheal surgery, and thoracic duct imaging for postoperative chylothorax. This technology enhances the surgeon’s ability to perform operations, and has specific advantages. We review some of the key studies that demonstrate the applications of FIT in the field of general thoracic surgery, focusing on the use of indocyanine green.