What is an endovascular probe?

An endovascular probe is a specialized medical tool used in interventional radiology and endovascular surgery. Typically made of a flexible, thin shaft, it is inserted into the body through a small incision, usually in the groin or arm, and navigated through blood vessels to reach a specific area of interest within the circulatory system. The probe can be used for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as:

1. Angiography: Endovascular probes can be equipped with imaging technology to capture detailed real-time images of the blood vessels and organs. This visualization helps diagnose conditions such as aneurysms, blockages, and vascular deformities.

2. Balloon Angioplasty: The endovascular probe can be used to deliver a deflated balloon to a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress and reshape the vessel, improving blood flow.

3. Stent Placement: Similar to angioplasty, the endovascular probe is employed to insert stents, small mesh tubes that help keep a blood vessel open and maintain proper blood flow. Stents are commonly used in coronary artery interventions to treat coronary artery disease.

4. Clot Retrieval: Endovascular probes can navigate through vessels and retrieve blood clots that have formed and impede proper circulation. Clot retrieval is often performed in cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

5. Atherectomy: Some probes are designed to perform atherectomy, a procedure that physically removes plaque from clogged arteries, typically involving a rotating cutting tip.

6. Biopsy: Endovascular probes can also carry small biopsy tools or forceps to collect tissue samples from the inner lining of blood vessels or nearby organs for further examination under a microscope.

The use of endovascular probes requires expertise and precision, which is why it is performed by trained interventional radiologists and cardiovascular specialists in a controlled clinical setting. It allows for minimally invasive treatments and reduces the need for traditional open surgery in many cases.