[CT-supported virtual intra-arterial endoscopy after stent implantation: phantom studies and the initial clinical results].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the facilities of computed tomographic virtual intraarterial endoscopy (VIE). Imaging of an intravascular stent in a phantom study and clinical assessment in 10 patients.

METHODS

The optimal scan parameters for different 3 D reconstructions (MIP, SSD, VIE) were determined in a vessel phantom with intravascular stent. Furthermore, in vitro stenoses were analysed and initial in vivo investigations were performed.

RESULTS

The quality of CT-angiography (CTA) depended on the scanning parameters. VIE allowed the reconstruction of the intravascular surface of a stent.

CONCLUSION

VIE is a new kind of post-processing CTA reconstruction. It permits the visualisation of the intravascular structure of a stent. In vitro relevant stenoses were correctly detected. First clinical investigations support these results.