| This thesis examines new vessel formation in Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) and the treatment of feeder vessels in CNV.; Indocyanine Green (ICG) enhanced laser photocoagulation of CNV feeder vessels was studied and the histological findings reported. Data revealed that intravascular thrombus resulting in vessel closure was achieved and reproducible. However, vessel recanilization occurred with concomitant inflammatory cell infiltrate and the closure was temporary.; The understanding of vessel formation in CNV is under active investigation. While current paradigms focus on angiogenesis it is hypothesized that vasculogenesis also plays a role in CNV. Data from this study reveals that Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) contribute to the formation of CNV and local expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is important in the recruitment of EPCs. |
