SHELF-STABLE INDOCYANINE GREEN SOLUTIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME

Abstract

Shelf stable indocyanine green solutions are made by dissolving indocyanine green in an organic solvent with no water content. Such solutions may be self-stable for up to a year at room temperature when stored in air-tight containers. Solutions may then be used conventionally in imaging procedures in the medical and dental fields.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. A method of making a solution of indocyanine green comprising: a first step of adding indocyanine green powder to an organic solvent having no water content; a second step of mixing the indocyanine green and the solvent until the indocyanine green dissolves; and a third step of storing the solution in an airtight, sealed container until use of the solution.

5. The method of claim 4, the solution being stored for a time period of up to one year.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0010] With reference now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the shelf stable indocyanine green solutions is herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes organic liquids that contain no additional water. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes absolute mono-alcohols such: ethyl, methyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, butyl alcohols and any other alcohols that are liquids. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes poly-ols such: glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols and any other poly-ols that are liquids. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes mixtures of multiple organic solvents to customize particular characteristics for the delivery of soluble ICG such as: viscosity, capillary action, water chasing efficiency and other characteristics.

[0012] In the absence of water, it has been found that indocyanine green dissolved in organic solvent is shelf stable for up to 1 year at room temperature. More importantly, the type of organic solvent selected is not the important factor for stability—only the absence of water is required.

[0013] When creating the solution, the manufacturing method is to add the ICG to the solvent(s) and stir until it dissolves. Thereafter the solution is loading in an airtight sealed container, thereby preventing the introduction of ambient air, which may contain water vapor, into the container.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0014] The present invention has industrial applicability in that it may be made in industry and has particular applicability for imaging in the medical and dental fields.

[0015] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.