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Different types of complications may occur during a percutaneous vascular access procedure and the majority of these complications are caused by balloon angioplasty. These balloon angioplasty-induced complications include venous rupture, venous dissection, and the development of an acute pseudoaneurysm. Balloon tamponade is the traditional percutaneous technique for management of these complications. However, insertion of a stent or stent graft has become an increasingly popular method to quickly and effectively repair a venous injury. A stent or stent graft may provide a more effective and durable method to treat balloon angioplasty-induced complications. Unfortunately, there are few, if any, clinical studies to substantiate the advantages and cost-effectiveness of these devices and so their use remains controversial.

Treatment of a thrombosed hemodialysis graft is an ideal application for a mechanical thrombectomy device. The soft, acute thrombus contained within the graft can be quickly macerated and removed with minimal risk of damaging native vascular endothelium. There are no universally accepted techniques for using mechanical thrombectomy devices to treat a thrombosed vascular access. To the contrary, there are a variety of thrombectomy methods that are currently utilized by interventional radiologists. Each device has its own niche and is best utilized for certain specific situations. A busy interventionalist should be familiar with several of these thrombectomy devices to most effectively treat the variety of clinical problems that may be encountered., (Copyright 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Angioscopy provides a magnified, real-time, 360-degree view of the endoluminal surface of blood vessels, yielding unique information that is often complementary to conventional angiography. This unique perspective can significantly enhance one's perception and appreciation of endovascular disease. Although angioscopy is primarily used as a research tool, its ability to characterize accurately the morphology and color of atherosclerotic lesions may lead to improved treatment and better clinical outcomes., (Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company)