IVUS
Pronunciation: I-V-U-S
Also written as: IVUS — intravascular ultrasound
Intravascular ultrasound; catheter-based imaging providing cross-sectional views of coronary artery walls and lumen.
Full Definition
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an invasive imaging modality that uses a miniaturized ultrasound transducer on a catheter to obtain real-time, cross-sectional images of coronary arteries from within the vessel lumen. IVUS provides detailed visualization of vessel wall architecture, plaque composition, and accurate luminal measurements that are superior to angiography alone. It is commonly used to guide percutaneous coronary interventions, assess stent deployment, and evaluate coronary artery disease severity, particularly in intermediate lesions where angiographic assessment is ambiguous.
Usage
Usage note: Measurements should specify minimum lumen area (MLA) and plaque burden percentage.
In Context
- "IVUS guidance was used to optimize stent expansion and ensure adequate vessel wall apposition." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "The IVUS study revealed a minimum lumen area of 2.1 mm² with 70% plaque burden." — Interventional cardiology note