BACKGROUND:

We describe our clinical experience with the use of indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography to delineate the locations of the cortical draining veins before dural opening in 3 cases of parasagittal lesions. With this technique, the veins are marked through the dura, and then the dura can be opened precisely to avoid cortical venous injury.

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate in a clinical series the adjunct use of intraoperative ICG angiography to optimize the dural opening for parasagittal lesions.

METHODS:

We describe 3 cases of parasagittal lesions, 2 meningiomas, and 1 arteriovenous malformation treated using the described technique.

RESULTS:

Once the dura had been exposed, ICG at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg was injected into the patient's peripheral vein as a bolus. When the dye reached the illuminated field of interest, ICG fluorescence was induced by the use of a light source with a wave-length ICG absorption band. Thereafter, the dural cortical veins were marked through the dura and precisely opened, avoiding cortical venous injury.

CONCLUSION:

Indocyanine green video angiography is a safe, fast, inexpensive, and accurate investigation that allows the surgeon to strategically plan and protect important parasagittal dural venous drainage during craniotomy.