[Experiences with the use of an intravascular 6 French endosonography catheter in vivo].

Further progress in intraluminal sonography has led to the development of a 6 French ultrasound imaging catheter. This report demonstrates in vivo results using this new technique in a swine. Intraluminal echographic images obtained from the aorta and iliac arteries were of good quality. Artifacts such as image distortion were related to the 20 Mhz mechanically rotating tip motion and caused a loss of image quality. Atherosclerotic lesions could be visualized. The characteristics of the echo image of an atherosclerotic lesion related to the composition of corresponding histological sections of the lesion. Intraluminal sonography may develop into a new diagnostic tool, further enhancing progress in atherosclerosis research and improving the evaluation of coronary arteries and perivascular structures. Combined use with balloon angioplasty might also improve invasive therapeutic procedures.