A method of endoscopic investigation of vascular structures directly through flowing blood

Noninvasive cardiovascular diagnosis has improved immensely due to key technological refinements such as digital subtraction angiography, ultrasonography, Doppler flow analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging. Each of these methodologies provides a unique image of the cardiovascular system but will not permit surgical maneuvers or repairs during real time imaging. Our group has developed a new method of endoscopic visualization of the luminal surface of blood vessels directly through flowing blood without interference of the blood or vessel wall. This opens new possibilities in both diagnosis and surgical interventions.

Transluminal imaging through flowing blood was performed in normal animals using laser frequency light delivered and retrieved via conventional fiberoptic angioscopic instruments. The reflected light energy was reconstructed into a viewable image using a specialized method of optical data processing and filtering systems. Unlike conventional angioscopy, displacement of flowing blood was not needed as the images were obtained with higher frequency laser light.

A total of 20 canine experiments were performed between 1996 and 1997 using our endoluminal imaging system. The images obtained revealed details of luminal surfaces, although primitive and low resolution with this first generation of technology. Images of the topography of the femoral, axillary, and subclavian arteries and veins, as well as several intracardiac structures (aorta and aortic valve) were successfully obtained without trauma or physiologic consequence to the animal.

Using conventional fiberoptic angioscopes coupled with laser light of differing wavelengths, it was possible to image the interior of vascular structures through flowing blood. This method visualizes the intraluminal surface in real time and is dependent only on the delivery and capacity of the endoscope. The implications for future cardiovascular diagnosis and corrective surgical procedures are widespread.