• Cyril -- IVUS is used in many of the major cath
labs around the world. If you'll check out our IVUS
Center, you'll see an interview with Dr. Antonio Colombo of Milan,
arguably one of the great proponents of IVUS technology. Also in Rotterdam
at the ThoraxCentre, Dr. Patrick Serruys and his team have done major research
using IVUS. But there are many labs using this imaging modality. If you'll
give us a narrower locus, we'll try to name hospitals, but you can also
call the major heart hospitals in your area. Ask for the cath lab and
put your question to them. From my own experience, I can relate that last
year a friend of mine had a heart attack and was taken to a cath lab I
did not know anyone at. When I heard that they used IVUS routinely (and
they used it on my friend) I was encouraged, because cardiologists who
use IVUS tend to be on the cutting edge, so to speak.
On a side note, part
of the challenge is that IVUS is not reimbursed by insurance everywhere. It
is in Japan, for example, and Japan is a big market for IVUS. A very large
percentage of interventional cases in Japan use IVUS. And interestingly,
in all the recent major stent trials, the Japanese arm tended to have much
better outcomes. We asked Dr. Shigeru Saito who was the principal Japanese
investigator for
both the Medtronic and Abbott stent trials why his results were better
and he said simly, "IVUS". Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, December 26, 2008
• CAN YOU ADVISE ME IF IVUS IS AVAILABLE
IN EUROPE, IF SO WHERE? Cyril, Europe, December 26, 2008
Please note the following disclaimer: The
information contained in this web site is accurate to the best of the knowledge
of Angioplasty.Org. None of this information should be viewed as a substitute
for medical advice or as a consultation with a medical doctor. It is highly
recommended that readers discuss any advice with a medical doctor before
deciding on a course of action. Angioplasty.Org or its producers assume
no liability for any actions taken as a result of information contained
on this site, whether implied or expressed. Opinions and recommendations
expressed on the FORUM are solely those of their authors. All submissions
are reviewed and posted at the editors' discretion. FORUM submissions that
are primarily commercial in nature, advertising services or products, are
not posted. Any medical advice expressed on the FORUM does not necessarily
represent the views of Angioplasty.Org, its producers, or of anyone associated
with it, or of others appearing on this web site. Please note that this is
a moderated discussion, so your response will appear after a short review.
