Intravascular Ultrasound allows
the interventionalist to see a coronary artery from the inside-out
during a procedure. This unique point-of-view picture, generated
in real time, yields information that goes beyond what is possible
with the routine imaging methods performed in the cath lab,
such as coronary angiography.
This cross-sectional view can aid in stent sizing, and in confirming
that the stent has been placed optimally, is fully expanded and
hugging the vessel wall. A growing number of cardiologists feel
that the new information yielded by IVUS can make a significant
difference in how a patient is treated, and can provide for more
accurate stent placement, reducing complications and the incidence
of stent thrombosis. |
