Intravascular ultrasound in interventional radiology

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging provides useful additional information to X-ray angiography in selected cases of balloon angioplasty and stent placement with complex vascular anatomy and unclear findings at angiography. It facilitates accurate measurements of the vessel dimensions and reveals the extent of the disease for the selection of proper angioplasty balloon size, as well as confirms full expansion and attachment of the stent or stent graft to the arterial wall. Intravascular US imaging contributes useful information for the basis of planning surgical or endovascular therapy of aortic dissection and is valuable for guiding percutaneous fenestration of the dissection flap. This imaging modality facilitates placement of vena cava filter without cavography and/or fluoroscopy in patients with contraindication for iodine contrast media and/or X-ray fluoroscopy. Technical development may further increase utility of IVUS imaging in interventional radiology. Received: 22 May 2000; Accepted: 7 June 2000