Perfusion Analysis Using High-definition Indocyanine Green Angiography in Burn Comb Model.

Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) has been widely employed for quantitative evaluation of the rat comb burn model, but the imaging equipment, imaging protocol, and fluorescence data interpretation of ICGA remain unsatisfactory. The aim of this study is to provide better solutions for the application of ICGA on perfusion analysis. The rat comb burn model was established under a series of different comb contact durations including 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 s. ICGA was used to analyze wound perfusion. Sixteen rats were divided into ibuprofen and control groups for the burn model, and their perfusion was compared. Sixteen identical models were divided into standard and high-dose ICG groups, and ICGA was conducted to investigate the dynamic change in wound fluorescence. Escharectomy was performed under real-time fluorescence mapping and navigation. The results showed that a comb contact duration of 30 s was optimum for the burn model. ICGA could accurately evaluate the histologically determined depth of thermal injury and wound perfusion in the rat comb model. Digital subtraction of residual fluorescence was necessary for multiple comparisons of perfusion. Dynamic changes in fluorescence and necrotic tissues were observed more clearly by high-dose (0.5 mg/kg) ICG in angiography. In conclusion, perfusion analysis by ICGA can be used to assess the histologically determined depth of thermal injury and the impact of a specific treatment on wound perfusion. ICGA can help to identify necrotic tissue. Above findings and related imaging protocols lay the foundation for future research.