Name of the Procedure:

Indocyanine-green angiography (includes multiframe imaging) with interpretation and report, unilateral or bilateral

Summary

Indocyanine-green angiography (ICG angiography) is a diagnostic procedure used to capture detailed images of blood vessels in the retina and choroid using a special dye and a camera. The procedure can be performed on one or both eyes.

Purpose

This procedure is used to identify and manage various eye conditions by visualizing blood flow in the retina and choroid. The expected outcomes include accurate diagnosis and improved treatment plans for eye diseases.

Indications

• Symptoms such as sudden vision loss
• Detection and management of conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal or choroidal diseases
• Unexplained changes in the retina

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications might need to be paused; consult with your healthcare provider.
• Initial vision tests and a detailed eye examination will be performed.

Procedure Description

1. Administration of Dye: A fluorescent dye, indocyanine-green, is injected into a vein in the patient's arm.
2. Imaging: High-speed cameras are used to take multiple images of the retina and choroid as the dye travels through the blood vessels.
3. Interpretation: The captured images are analyzed to detect any abnormal blood vessels or flow.

No general anesthesia is required, though a local anesthetic eye drop may be applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

ICG angiography is generally performed in an outpatient eye clinic or specialized diagnostic center.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or retina specialist
• Trained medical technicians
• Nurses

Risks and Complications

• Common: Minor discomfort at the injection site, temporary blurred vision
• Rare: Allergic reactions to the dye, nausea, and very rarely, cardiovascular reactions

Benefits

• Provides precise imaging for accurate diagnosis
• Assists in planning effective treatments
• Can detect early-stage diseases for timely intervention

Recovery

• Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Temporary blurred vision may occur, but should clear up within a few hours.
• Follow-up appointments may be required based on the findings.

Alternatives

• Fluorescein angiography: Another dye-based imaging, but less effective for choroidal conditions.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Non-invasive imaging that can detect certain conditions but may not provide as much detail about blood flow.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort from the needle injection.
• Temporary visual changes such as blurred vision or light sensitivity.
• Minimal pain; if any adverse symptoms occur, they should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.