In vivo intravascular electric impedance spectroscopy using a new catheter with integrated microelectrodes

Interventional techniques are necessary, which allow the characterization of intravascular pathological processes. Electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) can provide cellular information of biological tissue. We tested the feasibility of intravascular EIS by using a new impedance catheter system with integrated microelectrodes in an experimental animal model. Eighteen stents were implanted into the iliac arteries of female New Zealand White rabbits (n = 11) to induce intimal proliferation. After 14, 28 and 56 days the electric impedance was measured inside and outside of the stented arterial segments by using a balloon catheter with four integrated microelectrodes. The impedance was recorded at a frequency ranging from 1 Hz to 1 MHz. After the measurements, the stents were explanted and histomorphometry was performed. The impedance inside and outside the stent was analysed and compared with the histomorphometric data. Fourteen (n = 6), 28 (n = 5) and 56 (n = 6) days after stent implantation the difference of the electrical impedance between the native and the stented iliac artery segment increased from -924 +/- 715 Ohm to 3689 +/- 1385 Ohm (14 days vs. 28 days; p < 0.05) and 8637 +/- 2881 Ohm (14 days vs. 56 days; p < 0.05), respectively. The increase of the electrical impedance corresponded to an increased neointimal proliferation in the stented arterial segment of 3.6% +/-0.7% after 14 days, 8.4% +/- 4.8% after 28 days (14 days vs. 28 days; p < 0.05) and 10.0% +/- 4.1% after 56 days (14 days vs. 56 days; p < 0.01). Intravascular EIS can be performed by a balloon catheter with integrated microelectrodes and allows the detection of neointimal proliferation after stent implantation.