vessel sizing
The process of determining appropriate stent dimensions based on reference vessel diameter and lesion length measurements.
Full Definition
Vessel sizing is a critical step in percutaneous coronary intervention involving accurate measurement of the target vessel's reference diameter and lesion length to select optimal stent dimensions. Proper sizing prevents stent underexpansion (undersizing) or vessel injury (oversizing) and influences long-term outcomes including restenosis and stent thrombosis risk. Measurements can be obtained through quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), or optical coherence tomography (OCT). The process typically involves measuring the proximal and distal reference segments and selecting a stent diameter approximating the smaller reference vessel with appropriate length coverage of the entire lesion plus healthy vessel margins.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the method used for sizing (QCA, IVUS, OCT) and include reference diameter measurements in procedural documentation.
In Context
- "Careful vessel sizing using IVUS guidance resulted in selection of a 3.0 × 28 mm drug-eluting stent for optimal vessel coverage." — Interventional procedure note
- "Quantitative angiography was performed for vessel sizing, revealing a 2.75 mm reference diameter in the mid-LAD." — Catheterization laboratory report