How IVUS Catheters Enhance Precision During Cardiac Interventions
Modern cardiovascular interventions depend heavily on accuracy, and IVUS catheters play a crucial role in enhancing procedural precision. Whether performing angioplasty, atherectomy, or stent placement, clinicians benefit from the ability to see inside vessels in real time. IVUS provides the detailed measurements needed to guide interventional devices, optimize outcomes, and reduce complications.
Before a stent is placed, IVUS helps determine the true dimensions of the vessel. Underestimating size may lead to stent malapposition, while overestimating increases the risk of vessel injury. The cross-sectional views delivered by IVUS catheters eliminate guesswork. Once the stent is deployed, IVUS confirms proper expansion and identifies areas that may require additional balloon dilation.
IVUS also assists in navigating complex lesions. Calcified plaques, bifurcation lesions, and long blockages pose significant challenges. Seeing the vessel’s internal structure helps clinicians choose the right tools and techniques. During atherectomy procedures, IVUS guides the removal of plaque safely without damaging healthy tissue.
Beyond coronary interventions, IVUS catheters are used for peripheral procedures involving the renal, iliac, and femoral arteries. Their versatility makes them indispensable in interventional cardiology and endovascular surgery.
As techniques become more advanced, IVUS remains a cornerstone of precision medicine, ensuring that each step of the procedure is guided by accurate and comprehensive visualization.