title: Evaluation of cerebral artery perforators and the pipeline embolization device using optical coherence tomography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high resolution imaging of tissue; this technology has been validated using intra-arterial catheters in the evaluation of arterial anatomy, pathology and treatments. The perforating cerebral arteries and intracranial stents have not been previously visualized with an OCT catheter.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a standard transfemoral endovascular technique, a LightLab C7 Dragonfly catheter was inserted in the middle and posterior cerebral arteries of a fresh frozen cadaver. OCT images of the cerebral vessels and a deployed Pipeline Embolization Device were acquired using the LightLab C7-XR OCT Intravascular Imaging System.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Distal cerebral artery access with the imaging catheter was feasible via the femoral artery using a distal access catheter instead of the standard monorail system used in coronary investigations. Imaging of perforators and stent struts had exceptional resolution.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The first use of a commercial OCT catheter in the evaluation of intracranial vessels using transfemoral endovascular techniques is described. Challenges of intracranial OCT include blood clearance and vessel tortuosity. This technology may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease in the future.
authors: Rush University Medical Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Chicago, Illinois, USA. brainaneurysm@mac.com
authors: Demetrius Klee
authors: DK
authors: Lopes
authors: Andrew Kelly
authors: AK
authors: Johnson
mesh_terms: D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards