Angioscopy

Angioscopy is not a new procedure, but it is one that has undergone recent changes as the effects of technological improvement are adapted to the surgical environment. Recent advances allow the use of angioscopy to change the way some surgeries are performed and has altered others to a great degree. If the procedure is done infrequently, it can take several months and more than a few cases to master the procedure and setup. Having a small team of six vascular nurses for four full-time vascular surgeons has helped speed this process in our institution. In some institutions, the role of the nurse described in this article is performed by the surgical resident or fellow. As we gained experience, breakdown time was reduced and setup was more efficient.