Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

  • Brief and basic description of the procedure: IVUS or intravascular ultrasound is an imaging procedure used during an arteriogram which uses a specially designed catheter to visualize the inside of the artery from the inside out. This specialized catheter is inserted through a small tube (similar to an IV) which has been inserted through an artery in the arm or groin. IVUS is typically used to better estimate the percentage of blockage inside of an artery. IVUS can be used to evaluate arteries that feed the blood flow to the heart (coronary arteries); brain (carotid arteries); kidneys (renal arteries); or extremities (peripheral arteries).