DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL ANGIOSCOPY

Angioscopy provides a simple method for the careful evaluation and tre atment of the lumen of native vessels and bypass grafts. As a diagnost ic imaging tool, angioscopy can provide more accurate information rega rding the flow surface than conventional tests, such as angiography or duplex imaging. The recent development of endovascular tools has made angioscopically guided luminal intervention an increasingly useful ap proach to many vascular problems. More precise treatment of endolumina l lesions and a reduction in incision length and soft-tissue dissectio n can result in decreased patient morbidity and extended patient benef it.