Grayscale intravascular ultrasound: Current concepts in percutaneous coronary interventions

Compared with angiography alone, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides far greater detail with regard to the entire coronary vessel. IVUS has given valuable insight into the mechanisms of coronary atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and stabilization as well as bare metal and drug-eluting stent mechanisms of restenosis and thrombosis. Additionally, IVUS-derived principles of expansion, apposition, and lesion coverage can aid in optimizing stent deployment and acute procedural results. Ultimately, its use may prevent adverse events related to percutaneous revascularization. © 2009 Current Medicine Group, LLC.