Intraoperative imaging of cerebral blood flow is of particular interest in vascular neurosurgery. Fluorescence-assisted angiography using indocyanine green (ICG) allows for real-time qualitative assessment of vascular permeability or pathological vascular structures during surgery. As early as 2003, the results of a feasibility study by Raabe et al. revealed that ICG fluorescence angiography is useful in the assessment of aneurysms, dural fistulas, and in revascularization surgery.10 Integrated into the surgical microscope, ICG angiography is a suitable technique for visualization and for assisting in the evaluation and interpretation of intraoperative blood flow in vessels with less than 1 mm in diameter. It assists in early detection of complications as well as reducing the risk of ischemic damage and the need for further postoperative intervention.
Using ZEISS INFRARED 800 video sequences, ZEISS FLOW 800 offers a unique fluorescence application for the visual analysis of vascular blood flow. The information from the video sequences is compiled into visual maps, diagrams, or side-by-side images. This enables a detailed analysis of the fluorescence videos.
Simple imaging of vascular structures is often insufficient for the detection of hypo- or hyperperfusion; doing so requires quantitative analysis of the data. Study results have shown that FLOW 800 analysis software provides valuable additional information for surgeons in intraoperative assessment of arterial patency and regional blood flow.