Infrared Fluorescent Angiography during Experimental Trachea Transplantation.

Indocyanine green fluorescence was used for evaluation of the degree of trachea revascularization after its autotransplantation in rabbits (transplantation of 1- and 2-cm segment of the trachea). Intravenous administration of indocyanine green was followed by a significant fluorescence of the substance in microvessels of the trachea over 30-40 sec. Immediately after surgery, fluorescence in the implanted segment was absent, but within 7 days it was completely restored in rabbits receiving transplantation of a 1-cm segment. After transplantation of 2-cm segment of the trachea, fluorescence did not recover, which corresponded to the clinical picture and autopsy results. Thus, fluorescent angiography is an informative method for evaluation of trachea revascularization.