IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound)

What is IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) ?

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is an advanced imaging technique used by cardiologists to see the inside of coronary arteries in real time. It uses a tiny ultrasound probe attached to a catheter to produce detailed images of the artery walls and blood flow.

IVUS helps doctors accurately evaluate plaque buildup, artery size, and blockage severity, which improves the success of procedures like Angioplasty and stent placement.

Why is IVUS Used ?

Cardiologists use Intravascular Ultrasound to get a clearer view of the coronary arteries when standard imaging is not enough.

Common reasons include:

1. Detecting hidden plaque inside artery walls

2. Measuring the exact size of the artery

3. Determining the severity of blockage

4. Guiding accurate stent placement

5. Evaluating stent expansion after angioplasty

Benefits of IVUS

✔ Provides highly detailed images of artery walls

✔ Helps detect plaque and artery narrowing accurately

✔ Improves the success rate of stent procedures

✔ Reduces complications during angioplasty

✔ Helps ensure proper stent placement and expansion

When Do Doctors Recommend IVUS -?

1. Complex coronary artery disease

2. Unclear blockage in angiography

3. Left main artery disease

4. Multiple artery blockages

5. Previously placed stents that need evaluation