Definition

A solution containing a non-toxic, fluorescent tricarbocyanine dye with a peak spectral absorption at 790 nm bound to the plasma protein albumin, that may be used in sentinel node mapping using a near infrared (NIR) imaging system. Upon injection of the indocyanine green (ICG)/albumin solution around the tumor, the ICG/albumin complex, travels though the vascular system. Using a NIR imaging system, the ICG, which emits light in the NIR range, permits the visualization of sentinel nodes and may help in cancer staging.