Use of the nephrocholedochoscope in vascular surgery

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Urology
• Medical Instrumentation

Background:

• Endarterectomy requires detailed inspection of the vessel wall.
• Assessing the denuded surface post-procedure is crucial for surgical success.
• Existing methods may have limitations in visualizing these delicate structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of the nephrocholedochoscope for post-endarterectomy vessel wall inspection.
• To determine the applicability of this technique across various arterial sites.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nephrocholedochoscope, originally designed for urinary tract inspection.
• Applied the instrument for direct visualization of the denuded vessel wall following endarterectomy.
• Documented its use in common iliac, profunda femoris, renal, and internal carotid arteries.

Main Results:

• The nephrocholedochoscope proved effective for examining the denuded vessel wall after endarterectomy.
• The technique was found to be especially helpful in common iliac artery endarterectomy.
• Successful application was also noted in profunda femoris, renal artery, and internal carotid artery surgeries.

Conclusions:

• The nephrocholedochoscope is a valuable tool for intraoperative assessment after arterial endarterectomy.
• Its application extends to multiple critical arteries, enhancing surgical inspection capabilities.