An NIR fluorophore is a chemical compound that converts NIR light of one wavelength into NIR light of a different wavelength. By shining high intensity invisible NIR light of one wavelength onto the surgical field, and detecting invisible NIR light of this different wavelength, the exact location of the NIR fluorophore can be determined. By targeting the NIR fluorophore to a particle lumen, tissue, or organ, invisible NIR fluorescent light can be used to “see” any desired structure, or structures, on the surgical field.