Intravascular ultrasound as a guiding modality for mechanical atherectomy and laser ablation.
One of the most compelling practical applications for intravascular ultrasound imaging is in enhancing the safety and efficacy of the second-generation catheter devices designed to ablate or remove plaque. Initial studies have shown that intravascular ultrasound is well suited to demonstrate the amount of atheroma present in a vessel, and the distribution within the vessel wall at any given point.  Further clinical studies are required to determine whether more complete debulking of atheroma, guided by ultrasound imaging, has a favorable impact in reducing the rates of acute closure and restenosis following the procedure.
Yock
P G
PG
Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
Fitzgerald
P
P
White
N
N
Linker
D T
DT
Angelsen
B A
BA
D016342:Angioplasty, Laser / Q000379:methods*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004691:Endarterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods