Intravascular ultrasound.

Vascular anatomy can be more accurately assessed from an endoluminal position applying the principles of conventional ultrasound. It may effectively batter select patients for endovascular procedures and complement the information gained from CT, MRA, transcutaneous ultrasound, and contrast angiography. Three-dimensional and longitudinal grey-scale reconstruction of tomographic IVUS images are made available through computer software programs. Information gained includes: plaque characterization and morphology, a cross-sectional evaluation of stenoses, assessment of the impact/effect of balloon angioplasty, evaluation of vessel dissections and the ability to selectively place intravascular stents.