Pioneering Invention of “Balloon Angiography Imaging System” to Protect Patients from Acute Kidney Injury during Angiography and Angioplasty

Background: Angiography and angioplasty are standard treatments for atherosclerotic vascular disease, but require iodine-based contrast agents, which can cause vascular overload leading to heart failure, and kidney injury. While newer low-osmolality, non-ionic agents reduce side effects, risks remains, especially in hypertensive, diabetic patients high risk patients of nephropathy, who may develop acute kidney injury (AKI) and need renal replacement therapy for weeks, months, or lifelong. Aims and Objectives: The Balloon Angiography Imaging System(BAIS) is a novel technique where contrast dye is injected into a soft, compliant balloon placed in the target vessel, not into the bloodstream. Angiography images are recorded, and the dye is fully aspirated, preventing renal exposure. Materials and Methods: This new procedure of angiography was used in 10 patients of angina pectoris with impaired renal function with or without reduced ejection fraction. This Balloon angiography imaging system(BAIS) is likely to beneficial during angioplasty and stent placement, where higher iodine contrast is required. BAIS also helps to assess stent expansion, allowing correction by post-dilatation with non-compliant balloon dilatations. Conclusions: The initial experience confirmed that this new Balloon angiography imaging system(BAIS), being comparable to cineangiography, can be used in angiography, angioplasty and stent placement with only minimal amount of iodine contrast thus avoid acute kidney injury and heart failure.