Angioscope-assisted percutaneous suture ligation of venous tributaries: A pilot study

This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of "incision-free" an gioscope-assisted suture ligation of venous tributaries in in-situ nonrever sed canine veins. Ten procedures were performed on six dogs. Tributaries we re successfully ligated without complication in 79% of the attempts. The la rge size of the tributaries, perforation leading to hematoma, and problems with visualization led to failure in the remainder. This study demonstrates that percutaneous suture ligation is a feasible method of occluding venous tributaries for in-situ femoropopliteal bypass. Theoretically, "incision-f ree" angioscopic procedures would allow for decreased trauma to the vein, d ecreased wound complication rates, and decreased hospitalization. This pilo t study will allow the investigators to continue seeking avenues to perfect this technique.