ICG Lymphatic Mapping

Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphatic mapping provides a live assessment of the status of your lymph channels. ICG is able to enter the lymphatic channels, allowing us to visualize your lymphatic system in real-time. We are able to see healthy lymphatics, as well as the sites of dermal backflow indicating damage to the lymphatic flow. The information provided with ICG lymphatic mapping will help determine whether you would be a candidate for lymphatic reconstruction surgery.

ICG lymphatic mapping is an outpatient procedure that takes roughly 1 hour, or can be combined at the time of surgery for lymphovenous bypass anastomosis (LVA, LVB).

We utilize lidocaine anesthetic to make the area numb, and then we inject very small amounts of ICG dye just beneath the skin. A special near-infrared camera then allows us to visualize lymphatic channels and assess their health and real-time flow.

The injections do sting, so we also offer to perform this imaging procedure with light sedation with an anesthesiologist.

We typically record the lymphatic mapping, and patients are welcome to have their own copy.

There is no recovery involved, since there are no incisions made.

Please contact us to schedule evaluation with one of our specialist lymphedema surgeons.