Interv Akut Kardiol. 2005;4(1):24-32

THE ROLE OF INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IN THE CATHETERISATION LABORATORY

Tomáš Kovárník², Jan Horák^1,2, Michael Aschermann²

¹ EuroMISE centrum - Kardio, Praha

² II. interní klinika kardiologie a angiologie 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha

Intravascular ultrasound visualises not only coronary artery lumen but also the vessel wall and renders possibleprecise measurement of arteries and atherosclerotis plaque. The coronary angiography is essential method for assessment of coronary arteries, but has it’s limitations in the assessment of ostial lesion and the stenosis of the left main coronary artery. IVUS can elucidate correct diagnosis in case of uncertainty. Further role for IVUS is indication for coronary interventions (assessment of hemodynamic severity, selection of best diameter for catheters), assessment results after coronary intervention and diagnosis of periprocedural complication. The review comments a lot of studies about IVUS guided coronary interventions. The attention is focused on drug eluting stents (DES). The main indication and recommendation for DES implantation are discussed. Review summarizes main indications and contraindications of IVUS, safety of IVUS and main recommendation for it’s use.

Keywords: Key words: intravascular ultrasound, coronary angioplasty, stents, dissection.

Published: January 1, 2006  Show citation