By: RS Abdi Waluyo Editor
Coronary angiography has long been the standard method for diagnosing coronary artery disease. However, angiography only shows blood flow within the vessel lumen and provides limited information about the vessel wall itself. This is where Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) plays an important role.
What is IVUS?
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is an advanced imaging technology that uses a miniature ultrasound probe mounted on a catheter to produce real-time, cross-sectional images of the inside of blood vessels. By visualizing the artery from within, IVUS provides a more detailed assessment than conventional angiography.
Why is IVUS Important?
IVUS helps physicians:
- Accurately measure the size of coronary arteries.
- Identify the location and characteristics of plaque buildup.
- Evaluate the extent of arterial calcification.
- Select the most appropriate stent size.
- Confirm optimal stent expansion and placement.
These insights help improve procedural outcomes and reduce the risk of future complications.
Who Can Benefit from IVUS?
IVUS is commonly recommended for patients with:
- Coronary artery disease.
- Inconclusive or ambiguous angiography results.
- Complex or severely narrowed coronary lesions.
- Planned coronary stent implantation.
- Recurrent narrowing after previous stent placement.
How is the Procedure Performed?
IVUS is typically performed during a cardiac catheterization procedure. A small catheter carrying an ultrasound transducer is guided into the coronary artery, where it generates detailed, real-time images of the vessel. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require open-heart surgery.
Conclusion
IVUS is a valuable imaging tool that allows cardiologists to assess coronary arteries with greater precision than angiography alone. By providing detailed information about plaque, calcification, and stent deployment, IVUS supports more accurate diagnoses, better treatment planning, and improved long-term outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.
References
- American College of Cardiology. Clinical Expert Consensus Document on Intravascular Ultrasound Studies.
- American Heart Association & Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. 2021 Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization.
- European Society of Cardiology. Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Coronary Syndromes.
- Ali ZA, et al. Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy for Calcified Coronary Lesions. JACC Cardiovascular Interventions.
