Clinical application of percutaneous transluminal angioscopy. Comparison of findings in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, thrombolysis, thrombus-extraction and stent-application.
Since the introduction of ultrathin angioendoscopes into clinical application, it has been possible to subject the findings of conventional or digital angiography to objective verification. In dogs and in patients, this new angioscopic method for visualization of arteries without surgical intervention has been carried out. The approach is transfemoral. Endoscopy is combined with angiography and, when indicated, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), thrombolysis, thrombus extraction and insertion of a new type of stent. An ultrathin endoscope with an outer diameter of 1.6 mm and a working channel of 0.35 mm is used. Guidewires, contrast media and drugs for local thrombolysis can be employed through this channel. The endoscope is placed in the region of interest under fluoroscopy and direct visualization is obtained by using 0.9% NaCl for decreasing blood flow. Image recording is achieved by video or high-speed camera. With this method, the intraluminal events of dilatation, recanalization, local lysis, stent application and thrombus extraction can be visualized.
Beck
A
A
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Freiburg im Breisgau/Germany.
Reinbold
W D
WD
Blum
U
U
Nanko
N
N
Milic
S
S
Papacharalampous
X
X
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019723:Endoscopes; D006801:Humans; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator