Tiny camera used for stroke treatment in Ottawa

OTTAWA – Physicians at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) were the first in the world to use new stroke technology, the MicroAngioscope, in a patient procedure. Equipped with the world’s smallest camera, the device goes inside veins and arteries, allowing physicians to see inside the blood vessels of the patient’s brain.

In a medical breakthrough, Dr. Robert Fahed (pictured), interventional neuroradiologist at TOH, used the MicroAngioscope to treat a patient who suffered from repeated strokes. The device’s advanced and high-resolution imaging allowed Dr. Fahed to pinpoint the subtle condition that led to the strokes, allowing for a tailored treatment approach.

“For the first time in the world and history of interventional neurology, we used a new technology that allowed us to visualize the inside of the vessels of a patient,” said Dr. Fahed, lead physician during the procedure. “This opens the door to a new way of practicing this specialty. This also means that now that we can finally see the inside of the vessels, everything needs to be re-explored and redefined.”

“Think about doctors having the ability to miniaturize themselves and go through our arteries to understand health issues. Our newest invention, the Vena MicroAngioscope – just slightly thicker than a strand of hair – allows doctors to view diseases within the brain’s vasculature, in full color and in real-time,” said Michael Phillips, co-founder and CEO of Vena Medical. “Vena Medical marks a major leap forward and is committed to providing doctors with advanced tools for the prevention of strokes and various vascular diseases.”

The Ottawa Hospital is always focused on enhancing patient outcomes through innovative solutions. The use of the MicroAngioscope marks a significant development in the field of neurovascular care and will pave the way for new, innovative treatments for patients across the region.