Intraoperative coronary blood flow and myocardial perfusion imaging method by means of thermal image processing

Abstract

One of the most popular surgical operations is coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) operation, since coronary arterial disease is one of the leading causes of death and the main surgical treatment modality for this disease is the CABG operation. The main complication of the CABG operation is graft failure in either an early or late manner. While late graft failure is usually due to progression of the underlying disease, early graft failure can be caused by technical mistakes during manipulation of the heart and at the level of anastomoses. The evaluation of the graft flow and perfusion by means of thermal image processing may be a method to detect the graft failures during the operation. The method is based on the small temperature gradient that is produced by the inflow of blood into the graft and can be detected using an infrared scanner. This method is a non-invasive method that requires no catheter insertion, ionizing radiation or contrast material usage. It allows demonstrate graft patency of venous and arterial grafts and allows evaluation of perfusion after revascularization. It is also helpful detect distal stenoses in native coronary arteries. In summary, this method may be a valuable tool for intraoperative quality control in coronary artery bypass graft procedures and helps to minimize the risk of postoperative complications following myocardial revascularization.|Keywords:Angiography, Coronary,Imaging, Thermal, Infrared.