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Coronary Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) allows physicians to see images inside the heart and coronary arteries to assist with diagnosis. The primary benefit of IVUS is that it offers a tomographic, 360-degree view of the arterial wall from the inside, allowing a more complete and accurate assessment than is possible with angiography.

Patients

A tiny ultrasound wand is attached to the top of a tiny, hollow tube called a catheter. During the IVUS procedure, the ultrasound catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin area and moved up to the heart. This gives the health care provider a look at the arteries from the inside-out.

IVUS is often done during angioplasty. Angioplasty gives a general look at the coronary arteries, but can not show the walls of the arteries. IVUS images highlight the artery walls and can show if there are cholesterol and fat deposits (plaques). Build up of such plaque leads to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

IVUS may be used to:

  • View the aorta and structure of the artery walls (which can show plaque build up)
  • Identify which specific blood vessel is involved in aortic dissection
  • Assist in determining where a stent should be placed
  • View the inside of the artery to see how successful the angioplasty and stenting procedures were
    •  Risks

    There is a risk of complications associated with angioplasty and cardiac catheterization. However, the procedure is very safe when performed by an experienced team.

    Risks of angioplasty may include:

  • Hemorrhage (bleeding) in area where the catheter was inserted
  • Damage to a blood vessel
  • Complete blockage of blood flow in a certain area
  • Heart arrhythmias
  • Allergic reaction to any dye used during the procedure
  • Stroke
  • Death
    • Risks of cardiac cathertization may include:
  • Heart arrhythmias
  • Cardiac tamponade
  • Injury to the artery caused by a hematoma
  • Low blood pressure
  • Hemorrhage (bleeding)
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Allergic reaction to any dye used during the procedure
  • Death
    • Expectations After the Procedure

    After the procedure, the catheter is removed. A bandage is placed on the area. You will usually be asked to lie flat on your back for a few hours after the procedure to prevent bleeding.

    Source: nlm.nih.gov

    Boston Scientific’s Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Technology

    Boston Scientific’s iLab® Ultrasound Imaging System, can be installed directly into the cardiac catheterization lab or radiology suite, enabling physicians to readily incorporate IVUS technology into their everyday procedures.