Avoiding coronary injury in congenital heart surgery by laser-assisted indocyanine green dye imaging

Many patients with congenital heart disease require a staged surgical approach to achieve optimum circulation. During repeat operations, coronary anatomy can be difficult to ascertain because of epicardial scarring or underlying anomalous coronary anatomy. Uncertainty about coronary artery location increases the risk of reoperation. Having real-time data of coronary anatomy improves intraoperative decision making and enhances patient safety. We describe four patients undergoing reoperation with the aid of laser-assisted indocyanine green dye imaging to provide real-time data about coronary artery anatomy intraoperatively, thus helping the surgeon to prevent coronary artery injury.