Angioscopy

Abstract

Over the last year, research using flexible, ultrathin fiberoptics for vascular imaging (angioscopy) has continued to demonstrate its clinical potential. Vascular surgeons, thus far angioscopy's strongest advocates, have repeatedly demonstrated that the use of this procedure during peripheral vascular bypass surgery can improve graft patency rates. Although it is doubtful that angioscopy could ever replace angiography, the qualitative details of a vessel's surface disclosed by angioscopy are significant and not available by other means, including intravascular ultrasound. Investigators have used angioscopy to evaluate the burgeoning number of new, catheter-based vascular technologies. A combination of angioscopy and laser or atherectomy, however appealing, will require major technologic advances. One such advance has been the balloon-tipped catheter for blood-free imaging, which circumvents the need for potentially hazardous saline flush. Such an imaging system has provided new insights into the diseased myocardium of living patients.