Flexible angioscopy seems faster and more specific than arteriography
G. Van Stiegmann, W. H. Pearce, E. J. Bartle and R. B. Rutherford
Fiberoptic angioscopy was performed with 2.5- and 3.3-mm angioscopes in 25
arteries and grafts in 19 patients. Radiologically normal and abnormal
arteries and anastomotic sites were examined. All vessels and grafts were
visualized and images of normal arterial wall, subclinical and obstructing
atherosclerotic plaque, and suture lines were defined. Unexpected
endovascular findings were noted in five patients (26%) and included large
amounts of free-floating clot (one patient), atherosclerotic debris (two
patients), and membranelike obstructions (two patients). Angioscopy
required three to ten minutes and resulted in no complications. Experience
with the flexible angioscope indicates that satisfactory visualization and
specific recognition of angiographically unsuspected problems can be
obtained. The flexible angioscope is faster and appears more etiologically
specific than arteriography.
