The role of collaterals and its implications for therapeutic decisions are currently under discussion in the scientific community. After the occlusion of major arteries in the brain, collateral blood flow can sustain the supply of oxygen and nutrients to brain areas normally supplied by the occluded vessel. By some academics, collateral blood flow has been seen as an indicator of better therapeutic outcomes as the damages caused by arterial occlusion can be partly compensated by these alternative routes of supply. The absence of collateral circulation has been seen as risk factor for secondary hemorrhage and space-occupying infarction. The promise that collaterals will improve the decisions regarding treatment options is still subject to debate and discussions on the most suitable modality for the evaluation of collaterals are ongoing.
Siemens technology can contribute to examining the role of collaterals in stroke treatment. CT, MR perfusion imaging as well as angiography systems support you in the evaluation of collateral blood flow. Siemens Ultrasound perfusion imaging also has possible applications in regards to the assessment of collateral blood flow.