[Intra-arterial fluorescein angiography using ophthalmic artery catheter in an experimental model]

For the purpose of retinal angiography sodium fluorescein can be applied oral, intravenously or, via special catheters, intraarterially. In the latter procedure the imaging is different, which will be examined in this paper. There come up aspects, which supplement the possibilities of conventional sequence- or videoangiography and contrast the experimental technique of angiography by temperature-sensitive liposomes.

Intraarterial retinal angiography was carried out on 15 rabbits through a microcatheter and fluorescein was applied in different quantities and concentrations.

Because of the direct inflow to the retina, the resulting images had more contrast and interference due to recirculating fluorescein was nearly excluded. With increased perfusion pressure, functional tests of circulation were possible. By administering small amounts of fluorescein 10% (0.01-0.02 ml/min) via the catheter, continuous perfusion provided continuous presentation of hemodynamics, by making visible retinal pulsation.

The intraarterial fluorescence-angiography offers a new possibility for evaluating retinal circulation under increased pressure and for analysis of the retinal pulse wave. The procedure gets a clinical perspective by combined therapeutical application.