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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) in Cardiology
Introduction
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is an advanced imaging modality used in cardiology to visualize the interior of blood vessels. It helps cardiologists assess coronary artery disease (CAD), plan interventions, and optimize stent placement.
How IVUS Works
IVUS involves the insertion of a tiny ultrasound probe into the coronary arteries via a catheter. The probe emits high-frequency sound waves that create detailed cross-sectional images of the vessel walls, allowing for: - Measurement of lumen and plaque burden - Assessment of plaque composition (soft, fibrous, or calcified) - Detection of complications like dissection or thrombus - Optimization of stent deployment and expansion
Clinical Applications of IVUS
IVUS is commonly used in: 1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Identifying lesions that may need intervention. 2. Stent Optimization – Ensuring proper expansion and apposition. 3. Assessing Plaque Characteristics – Differentiating between stable and vulnerable plaques. 4. Guiding Complex Interventions – Especially useful in left main artery disease or chronic total occlusions.
Benefits of IVUS over Angiography
Unlike conventional angiography, which provides only a 2D contrast-based view of vessel lumen, IVUS offers direct visualization of the vessel wall structure, making it superior for: - More precise lesion assessment - Reducing the risk of under- or over-sizing stents - Improving long-term clinical outcomes
Conclusion
IVUS is a powerful tool in interventional cardiology, offering high-resolution imaging for better diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease. It is particularly useful for high-risk or complex cases, ensuring better procedural outcomes.
References
For more information, refer to the latest clinical guidelines:
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Intravascular Imaging
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001038
- https://www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/aha-names-top-advances-in-cardiovascular-disease-research-for-2023
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.122.012120
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/acc-aha-issue-new-acute-coronary-syndromes-guideline
- https://www.jscai.org/article/S2772-9303(23)00412-X/fulltext
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3415/7743115
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/ESC-EACTS-Guidelines-in-Myocardial-Revascularisation-Guidelines-for
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/26/8/804/2888081
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15769784/
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