Technology Spotlight

Improve stent visibility – quickly and easily

Assessing optimal stent deployment is a critical final step in any implantation procedure.  Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is currently the gold standard for making these hard to view devices visible.  However, routine use of IVUS is costly and increases the length of the interventional procedure.  Now there’s an alternative.

---

SOLUTION:

---

Philips Allura Xper FD family of flat detector cardiovascular x-ray systems.

---

FEATURE:

---

Philips StentBoost

---

APPLICATION:

---

Our StentBoost software is a simple, quick and cost effective alternative to IVUS.  It can be used during the intervention, immediately after deployment, with the catheter still in place.

                    

             Original Run                            StentBoost

How does it work?
After deployment, X-ray angio runs are performed with the deflated balloon still in place. Then the StentBoost software automatically aligns the positions of the (radiopaque) markers in each subsequent frame with those in the first frame by translating, rotating and stretching the image. So, although the background moves from frame to frame in response to heart motion and respiration, the stent and its direct surroundings remain in exactly the same position in every image.

 

Consequently, frame averaging over a series of frames will enhance the visibility of the stent, while the background structures are smoothed out.¹

 

Indispensable tool
This technique offers clear visualization for all aspects of stent deployment…

 

And StentBoost measurements taken during the intervention create a graph that gives you another indication as to whether the stent is properly or under-deployed.

 

StentBoost makes it easy to achieve optimum stent deployment and to decrease the risk of restenosis for your patients.  It uses no contrast or expensive consumables to create a great image.  And getting it right the first time while your patient is on the table precludes the expense and discomfort of additional interventions.

¹StentBoost Image Enhancement: First Clinical Experience, MedicaMundi 49/2 2005/8

Related Links:

+ Before and After images

+ StentBoost for Interventional Cardiology 

 

---

+ More Technology Spotlights