þráðaugnangioplasty

þráðaugnangioplasty is a neologistic term used in theoretical discussions of endovascular therapy. The name blends the Icelandic word þráð, meaning thread, with augn, meaning eye, and the English angioplasty. In this context it denotes a conceptual procedure in which a slender, thread-like guidance element is used to steer a balloon catheter through small, tortuous vessels and perform balloon dilation with enhanced visualization.

Conceptually, the procedure would begin with percutaneous vascular access, typically via the femoral or radial artery. A microcatheter would be advanced over a thread-based guidance system to the target segment. The thread may be manipulated to influence the catheter’s path, while imaging—such as fluoroscopy and possibly supplementary optical or near-infrared visualization—helps track progress. Once the lesion is reached, a low-profile angioplasty balloon is inflated to dilate the stenosis, after which the catheter and threading system are withdrawn. The approach emphasizes careful control to minimize vessel trauma.

Indications and limitations: The technique is described as potentially advantageous for small, complex intracranial or retinal vessels where conventional angioplasty carries higher dissection or perforation risk. As an experimental concept, it is not part of standard practice and lacks large-scale clinical evidence. Reported benefits remain hypothetical, and risks include vessel injury, embolization, thrombosis, or threading-related complications. Device standards and long-term outcomes have not been established.

Status and etymology: The term is not widely adopted in formal guidelines and appears mainly in speculative or theoretical discussions. It reflects ongoing interest in thread-guided endovascular strategies to improve navigation and safety in small-caliber vessels.