IVUS
Pronunciation: EYE-vus
Also written as: IVUS — Intravascular Ultrasound
Catheter-based imaging technique using ultrasound to visualize coronary artery walls and plaque morphology from within the vessel lumen.
Full Definition
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a catheter-based diagnostic imaging technique that provides real-time, high-resolution cross-sectional images of coronary arteries from within the vessel lumen. Unlike angiography which shows only the vessel silhouette, IVUS visualizes the arterial wall structure, plaque composition, and vessel dimensions. This technology is particularly valuable for assessing plaque burden, guiding stent placement, and optimizing percutaneous interventions by providing detailed information about vessel morphology that cannot be obtained through conventional angiographic methods.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as IVUS; avoid spelling out the full form unless introducing the term for the first time in a document.
In Context
- "IVUS guidance improved stent expansion and reduced the incidence of stent thrombosis." — Interventional cardiology procedure report
- "The IVUS images revealed significant plaque burden despite angiographically normal-appearing segments." — Cardiac catheterization report