What Is an Intravascular Ultrasound?

Intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) refers to a combination of non-invasive ultrasound technology and invasive catheter technology. Medical imaging technology uses a special catheter with an ultrasound probe connected to the end. Intravascular ultrasound is the placement of miniaturized ultrasound transducers into the cardiovascular lumen through a cardiac catheter, showing the shape of the cardiovascular section and / or blood flow patterns. It mainly includes two aspects: ultrasound imaging technology and Doppler blood flow measurement . This technique allows ultrasound technology such as piezoelectric conduction or ultrasonic sensors to be used to examine the condition of the inner wall of a blood vessel.

Intravascular ultrasound indication

Intravascular ultrasound is mainly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery system.
1. Cases in which coronary angiography cannot be clearly diagnosed.
2. The shape of the lesion and the nature of the plaque need to be clarified.
3. Evaluate the length of the lesion and determine the choice and placement of the stent.
4. To evaluate the effects of coronary interventions such as stent implantation.
5. Long-term follow-up study of coronary artery disease.

Intravascular ultrasound method

Based on the angiographic examination, select the blood vessels and lesions to be examined. Take the coronary arteries as an example, use 6 F and above guide catheters to place the coronary arteries, and send 0.014-inch finger guide wires to the target vessels The distal end of the intravascular ultrasound catheter is guided along the finger guide wire to the distal end of the lesion site to be examined. Generally, the method is used to continuously withdraw from the distal end to the proximal end of the target blood vessel at a certain speed, then Re-examination of the site of interest is important, and automatic retraction is necessary for 3D reconstruction.

Clinical significance of intravascular ultrasound

1. Diagnosis of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (coronary heart disease). Intravascular ultrasound can detect early coronary lesions and determine the nature of the lesions, which is of great value in assisting the diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis.
(1) It is possible to identify stenosis that cannot be determined by coronary angiography.
(2) Assist in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease after heart transplantation.
(3) To observe the progression and regression of coronary atherosclerosis.
(4) Evaluate the tension and compliance of the vessel wall.
2. Interventional treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (1) Guide the establishment of the most appropriate treatment plan.
(2) Choose the correct size of the appliance.
(3) Determine the endpoint of interventional therapy.
(4) Determine the position and expansion effect of the mesh stent.
(5) Predict the occurrence of restenosis after surgery.