Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)
An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a diagnostic procedure that is performed during a cardiac catheterization to provide many "inside out" views of the coronary arteries using sound waves (similar to an echocardiogram). Using a miniature transducer, the Inova cardiologist can acquire a very clear picture of the coronary arteries and of the extent of blockage in each coronary artery. This helps the cardiologist to select the best treatment options or to visusalize how successful the treatment was, with more certainty than with angiography or x-rays. Use of IVUS does not significantly increase the procedure time. The use of the special catheter that provides the pictures does not feel any different than the other catheters being used in the cardiac catheterization procedure.
