[Experimental study of water jet angioplasty]

A newly invented angioplasty by using water jet energy was investigated for evaluating its safety and effectiveness in 3 dogs. The water jet was produced from a small tip nozzle (0.2 mm in diameter) of catheter by injecting 20 ml of diluted contrast medium. By using this method recanalization of femoral arterial occlusion produced by fresh thrombi was achieved in all 3 dogs. Post recanalization angiography showed no apparent small vessel occlusions. Injection apart more than 5 mm from the inner surface of human aorta provoked no apparent changes histopathologically. Water jet angioplasty may be useful in treating vascular occlusive disease.