Visualization of the Human Intracranial Vasculature and Intracranial Implants Using Microangioscopy.

Area of Science:

• Neurointerventional radiology
• Vascular imaging technology
• Minimally invasive neurosurgery

Background:

• Cerebral angiography lacks direct intimal surface visualization.
• The MicroAngioscope is a novel flexible catheter for intracranial vessel imaging.
• This study reports the first human use of the MicroAngioscope for live intracranial visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the MicroAngioscope in neurointerventional procedures.
• To assess the technology's ability to visualize intracranial vasculature and deployed implants.
• To document the first-in-human experience with live visualization of intracranial vasculature.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, single-arm, multi-center observational study.
• Utilized the MicroAngioscope as an adjunct in 31 consecutive intracranial endovascular cases.
• Collected data on procedural complications and visualization success as primary and secondary endpoints.

Main Results:

• Successful delivery and live visualization of vasculature and implants in all 31 cases.
• No vessel injury detected by cerebral angiography; all procedures completed without complications.
• Angioscopy aided diagnosis (carotid web) and assessed stent apposition/coverage post-procedure.

Conclusions:

• The MicroAngioscope demonstrates early feasibility and safety in neurointerventional procedures.
• Live visualization of intracranial vasculature is achievable with this new technology.
• Further research is required to establish the MicroAngioscope's role in routine clinical practice.