intravascular ultrasound
Pronunciation: EYE-vuss
Also written as: IVUS — intravascular ultrasound
Catheter-based imaging technique providing cross-sectional views of coronary vessel architecture from within the arterial lumen.
Full Definition
A tomographic imaging modality (IVUS) that uses a miniaturized ultrasound transducer on a catheter tip to generate real-time, high-resolution cross-sectional images of coronary arteries from inside the vessel. IVUS provides detailed visualization of vessel wall morphology, plaque characteristics, and luminal dimensions that are not visible on conventional angiography. The technique is used for pre-procedural planning, optimization of stent deployment, assessment of plaque burden, and detection of complications such as edge dissections or incomplete stent apposition. IVUS measurements are considered the gold standard for assessing vessel dimensions and guiding interventional procedures.
Usage
Usage note: IVUS acronym universally recognized; spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "Intravascular ultrasound guidance was mandatory for all left main coronary interventions in the study protocol." — Clinical trial methodology
- "Post-procedure intravascular ultrasound confirmed optimal stent expansion in 94% of cases." — Procedural outcomes report