Angioscope-Assisted Percutaneous Suture Ligation of Venous Tributaries: A Pilot Study

This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of “incision-free” angioscopeassisted suture ligation of venous tributaries in in-situ nonreversed canine veins. Ten procedures were performed on six dogs. Tributaries were successfully ligated without complication in 79% of the attempts. The large 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-free” angioscopic procedures would allow for decreased trauma to the vein, decreased wound complication rates, and decreased hospitalization. This pilot study will allow the investigators to continue seeking avenues to perfect this technique.