Endovascular navigation with Fiber Optic RealShape technology.
Giuseppe Panuccio1, Andres Schanzer2, Fiona Rohlffs1
1German Aortic Center Hamburg, Department of Vascular Medicine, University hospital Eppendorf UKE, Hamburg, Germany.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|August 13, 2022
Summary
Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) technology offers real-time 3D visualization for endovascular procedures, reducing radiation exposure. Initial studies show a 60.2% success rate, with successful use linked to shorter procedure times and less radiation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Endovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) technology provides real-time 3D visualization for endovascular devices.
- It aims to reduce radiation exposure during procedures.
- FORS utilizes optical fibers within guidewires and catheters to transmit light pulses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits and limitations of the initial FORS technology.
- To assess the success rate and factors influencing FORS-guided navigation.
- To quantify the impact of FORS on procedure time and radiation exposure.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from 50 patients undergoing FORS-guided endovascular repair.
- Inclusion of all elective procedures with attempted FORS navigation tasks.
- Assessment of navigation task success, catheterization time, and radiation dose (fluoroscopy time, dose area product, estimated skin dose).
Main Results:
- FORS was used in 186 of 201 (92.5%) navigation tasks across 50 patients.
- A 60.2% success rate was observed, with no FORS-related complications.
- Successful FORS guidance correlated with significantly shorter catheterization times (6 vs 16 minutes) and reduced radiation exposure.
Conclusions:
- FORS technology was successfully implemented in complex endovascular aortic repair.
- The technology demonstrated an encouraging success rate and significant potential for radiation reduction.
- Factors like target vessel angle and anatomy influenced FORS navigation success.
