Indocyanine Green (ICG) Videoangiography
What is ICG Videoangiography?
ICG Videoangiography is a test to find out about the blood flow of the choroid, the layer of major blood vessels lying under the retina. These vessels supply blood to outer layers of the retina. The test takes about 30 minutes. Photographers, who are experts in this area, take the pictures. It is not an x-ray. The doctor will be able to look at the pictures on a computer screen as soon as the test is done.
The test is done with a special camera that has a video attachment. Indocyanine green is a green colored dye. It is injected into a vein in your arm. The dye travels through your body to the blood vessels in the choroid in 10 to 20 seconds. Many pictures are taken as the dye moves through these blood vessels. The result is a set of still pictures that show the doctor the blood flow in your eye. This test is often combined with fluorescein angiography, which is similar to ICG videoangiography but uses a different dye.
Precautions
If you take metformin (glucophage) you may be asked to stop your medicine for 48 hours after this test. Your doctor will tell you if you need to do this. People who are allergic to iodine and/or shellfish should not receive this dye. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid this dye.
What You Can Expect
There may be slight pain or bruising at the injection site, much like having blood drawn for lab tests.
Please let your nurse or doctor know if you have any problems either during the injection or in the day or so after the test. Please call if you have any problems or questions.
Eye Clinic (608) 263-7171
After clinic hours, weekends, and holidays, the paging operator will answer your call. Ask for the Eye Resident on call. Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you have any problems breathing or a severe allergic reaction, go to the nearest emergency room.
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7278.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 11/02/2011
Copyright © 08/29/2006 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4243
Print Health Fact For You