New technique for lung segmentectomy using indocyanine green injection.

One of the most difficult aspects of complete segmentectomy of the lung is the identification of the intersegmental plane. Instead of a conventional residual segment inflation method, we have developed a new technique for detecting intersegmental planes using indocyanine green medium. The technique is simple and consists of (1) ligation of the segmental vein to prevent loss of the indocyanine green and (2) injection of indocyanine green through the segmental bronchus. These two steps result in easy identification of intersegmental planes by a change of color not only of the surface but also of the parenchyma of the lung. This technique can be indicated for atypical segmentectomy.