Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is a specialized imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your blood vessels. Unlike a regular ultrasound performed on the body’s surface, IVUS takes images from within the arteries, helping doctors see how open or blocked they may be.

It’s often used during heart procedures such as angioplasty or stent placement to ensure that the artery is properly treated and blood can flow smoothly. By providing more accurate information than traditional X-rays alone, IVUS helps your care team make informed and confident decisions.

During Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), your doctor gently guides a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into one of your arteries usually through a small opening in your wrist or groin. At the tip of this catheter is a tiny ultrasound probe that sends out high-frequency sound waves.

These sound waves bounce off the artery walls and are converted into detailed, moving images on a monitor. Your doctor can then see the exact size, shape, and condition of your arteries, including any areas of plaque buildup or narrowing.

This technology provides clarity that helps tailor treatment precisely to your needs reducing uncertainty and improving long-term heart outcomes.

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) can be incredibly valuable in understanding your heart health more deeply. It helps your cardiologist:

• Identify plaque buildup and measure how much an artery has narrowed
• Guide stent placement during procedures, ensuring it fits perfectly
• Confirm that blood is flowing smoothly after treatment
• Detect early changes in blood vessels before major problems occur

Because IVUS provides such detailed information, it allows for more personalized care helping your doctor decide the best and safest treatment for your condition.

Here’s what typically happens during an IVUS procedure:

• Preparation: You’ll be brought into a comfortable hospital or cath lab setting. The team will explain each step before they begin.
• Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted (usually your wrist or groin).
• Catheter insertion: A thin, flexible tube is gently placed into your artery.
• Imaging: The IVUS probe takes high-resolution pictures as it moves through your vessel.
• Completion: Once imaging is complete, the catheter is removed, and the small entry site is bandaged.

The procedure usually lasts less than an hour, and most people can go home the same day. You may be advised to rest for a short time afterward, but recovery is generally quick and easy.

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) offers several important benefits that help ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment:

• Provides a clear, detailed view of the inside of your arteries
• Helps personalize your treatment plan for the best results
• Confirms that stents are properly placed and expanded
• Reduces the chance of repeat procedures
• Enhances long-term heart health through better monitoring

By offering this level of precision, IVUS allows cardiologists to deliver care that is both safe and effective, bringing peace of mind to patients.

Like most medical procedures, Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) carries a few minor risks, but serious complications are very rare. Possible side effects may include:

• Mild bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
• Temporary discomfort where the tube was inserted
• A small risk of infection or irritation of the blood vessel

These risks are minimal when the procedure is performed by experienced cardiologists and a skilled medical team. Your doctor will review your health history to ensure that IVUS is safe and appropriate for you.

Cardiac Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) provides a high-resolution view of the inside of the heart’s arteries, offering clarity that traditional imaging can’t match. It helps cardiologists assess the exact location and nature of blockages, ensuring more precise treatment planning.

During procedures like angioplasty, IVUS guides accurate stent placement and reduces complications. By revealing hidden arterial details, it supports safer and more effective outcomes. This advanced technology not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also strengthens overall cardiac care, promoting better heart health and long-term recovery.