Objective To compare visualization time after injection of indocyanine green (ICG) via different veins in cerebral aneurysm clipping surgery, and to accurately cooperate with the surgery. Methods A total of 112 patients undergoing open craniotomy for intracranial aneurysms were categorized into two groups based on different veins for ICG injection:superficial veins of the lower limb (dorsal foot vein) group with 64 cases, and deep veins of the lower limb (femoral vein) group with 48 cases. Blood pressure and ICG visualization time were recorded for both groups. Results The deep vein group had shorter ICG visualization time than superficial vein group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in blood pressure between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Injection of ICG into deep veins of the lower limb results in a significantly shorter visualization time compared with injection into superficial veins of the lower limb. Both injection sites are relatively safe. Nurses can choose injection site according to the surgeon′s preference to enhance surgical efficiency.