Clermont(352) 404-6959 Orlando(407) 237-0069 Kissimmee(407) 237-0069 Patient Portal

Notice: Physical Medicine Institute does not perform ICG lymphography.
This page is for educational purposes only. If appropriate, we can evaluate you and help coordinate a referral to a qualified center in Florida.

ICG Lymphography

Last updated: September 8, 2025

What is ICG lymphography?

Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is an imaging study of the superficial lymphatic system that helps assess lymphatic function and patterns related to lymphedema. A very small dose of ICG dye is injected into the skin; using a near-infrared camera, clinicians can visualize lymph flow and detect abnormalities such as dermal backflow.

When is it used?

Characterize lymphatic dysfunction and inform individualized lymphedema treatment plans.
Detect early signs of lymphedema after cancer treatments (e.g., node removal or radiation).
Help differentiate causes of limb swelling when standard evaluation is inconclusive.

Who typically performs it?

Hospital-based programs (e.g., Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Lymphedema Programs, Surgical Oncology) with near-infrared equipment.

Risks / considerations (general information only)

ICG is generally well tolerated. As with any injection, potential effects can include local discomfort, bruising, or transient skin discoloration. ICG contains a small amount of sodium iodide—patients should review allergies and medical history with the ordering clinician.

How we can help

While we do not offer ICG lymphography, our team can:

Perform a clinical evaluation for swelling/lymphedema.
Provide guidance and coordinate a referral to an appropriate Florida center (subject to confirmation and insurance requirements).

References:

Yamamoto T, etal. The earliest finding of indocyanine green lymphography in asymptomatic limbs of lower extremity lymphedema patients secondary to cancer treatment: the modified dermal backflow stage and concept of subclinical lymphedema. Plast Reconstr Surg.2011 Oct;128(4):314e-321e.
Yamamoto T, etal. Indocyanine Green Lymphography Findings in Primary Leg Lymphedema. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg.2015 Jan;49(1):95-102.
Yamamoto T, etal. Dynamic Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography for breast cancer-related arm lymphedema. Ann Plast Surg.2014 Dec;73(6):706-9.
Mihara M, etal. Indocyanine green lymphography is superior to lymphoscintigraphy in imaging diagnosis of secondary lymphedema of the lower limbs. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord.2013 Apr;1(2):194-201.
Mihara M, etal. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is superior to lymphoscintigraphy for diagnostic imaging of early lymphedema of the upper limbs. PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e38182.
Aldrich MB, etal. Concentration of indocyanine green does not significantly influence lymphatic function as assessed by near-infrared imaging. Lymphat Res Biol.2012 Mar;10(1):20-4.
Yamamoto T, etal. Indocyanine green lymphography for evaluation of genital lymphedema in secondary lower extremity lymphedema patients. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord.2013 Oct;1(4):400-405.
Ietto G, etal. Real-time Intraoperative Fluorescent Lymphography: A New Technique for Lymphatic Sparing Surgery. Transplant Proc. 2016 Nov;48(9):3073-3078.