Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) for Coronary Intervention

Coronary Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) equipment consists of an IVUS catheter, pullback device and the imaging console. If lesion lengths have to be assessed, motorized pullback is required. For assessing lesion morphology a manual pullback can also be done. While manual pullback allows concentration on specific lesions, it may miss some lesions in between if the pullback is not steady. Catheter has to be disengaged while evaluating coronary ostial lesions. Heparin and intracoronary nitroglycerine are given before the guide wire is inserted after the coronary cannulation with a guide catheter. The IVUS catheter is then introduced over the guide wire. Images are continuously recorded by the system for later review and analysis. IVUS Measurements Measurements include the measurement of lumen, plaque, calcium, remodeling, stent length and volumetric measurements. Plaque morphology assessment with IVUS Plaque morphology can be assessed in terms of its geometry and echogenicity. In the geometry, the size of the plaque, its relationship to luminal stenosis, arterial remodeling and eccentricity can be evaluated. Echogenicity could be regarding echolucent and echodense as well as calcified plaques. Thrombus and intimal hyperplasia can be noted. A vulnerable plaque and a plaque with ulceration or rupture can also be found. Important applications of IVUS Assessment of an angiographically indeterminate lesion, especially that of left main coronary artery, is an important reason for an...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs