"Think ultrasound is just for monitoring pregnancies?Think again!
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) isn't just for babies - it's a game-changer in diagnosing and treating blood vessel issues like atherosclerosis and clots.
Nearly everyone knows ultrasound can be used to monitor the growth and development of an unborn baby. But did you know it can help diagnose and treat blood vessel problems, too? For decades, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been used in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) — the most common type of heart disease — and it’s used in other types of vessel problems, too.
Understanding Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): A Revolutionary Diagnostic Technique
Ultrasound uses special sound waves to capture images from inside your body. Unlike X-rays and MRIs, ultrasound doesn’t use any radiation. Instead, the ultrasound device (or transducer) emits a steady stream of sound waves that “bounce off” your organs and tissues. These tiny echoes are captured by the ultrasound machine, which uses the echoes to create detailed images.
Many ultrasounds (including the ultrasounds used in pregnancy) use sound waves that are transmitted through the skin. But sometimes, these waves can’t “reach” the areas that need to be evaluated. In those cases, other types of ultrasounds — like intravascular ultrasound — can be used.
Intravascular ultrasound uses a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter to carry an ultrasound probe inside your blood vessels. The catheter is inserted in a vein or artery, then slowly advanced to the area the doctor wants to evaluate. Once the probe is in place, it emits a stream of ultrasound waves that help capture both still and video images.
Applications of IVUS
IVUS is frequently used to evaluate the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply your heart with oxygen-rich blood. Sometimes, sticky plaques build up on the walls of the arteries, narrowing the opening so it’s harder for blood to reach the heart. When that happens, you may have chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and even a heart attack.
Sometimes, IVUS is used in combination with other tests to determine if CAD might have caused a heart attack or might be causing chest pain (angina). In addition to diagnosing problems, IVUS is frequently used to treat vessel problems, using stents or other techniques to improve blood flow. Some IVUS techniques remove or filter clots, preventing them from reaching the heart or brain.
In addition to CAD, IVUS can be used to diagnose and treat:
- Narrowing of the carotid arteries (larger arteries in your neck)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Peripheral artery disease
- Peripheral venous disease
- IVUS can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of a specific treatment, enabling the doctor to decide if the treatment plan needs to be altered.
- Maintain your blood vessel health
Risks:
IVUS is considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, but some potential risks include:
- Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter insertion site
- Infection
- Damage to blood vessels
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye (if used)
Benefits:
The benefits of IVUS include:
- Detailed visualization of blood vessels and plaque, providing valuable information for treatment planning
- Real-time assessment during angioplasty or stenting procedures, improving outcomes
- Minimally invasive compared to other diagnostic imaging techniques
- Can help identify vulnerable plaques that may pose a higher risk of rupture.
METHODS OF CATHETERIZATION
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
- Procedure: PTCA is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) by opening narrowed or blocked arteries that supply blood to the heart. The procedure involves inserting a catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip into an artery (usually in the groin or wrist), guiding it through the blood vessels to the affected coronary artery, inflating the balloon to compress the plaque and widen the artery, and possibly placing a stent to keep the artery open.
When it is recommended:
PTCA is recommended for patients with significant CAD who experience symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or fatigue during exertion. It may also be performed as an emergency treatment for patients experiencing a heart attack due to a blocked coronary artery.
Risks
Some potential risks associated with PTCA include:
- Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter insertion site
- Infection
- Damage to blood vessels or the heart
- Heart attack or arrhythmia during the procedure
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye or medications used during the procedure
- Kidney damage due to contrast dye
- Restenosis (re-narrowing) of the treated artery
- Blood clot formation within the stent (stent thrombosis)
Benefits
The benefits of PTCA include:
- Relief from angina and other CAD-related symptoms
- Improved blood flow to the heart muscle
- Reduced risk of heart attack
- Minimally invasive compared to open-heart surgery
- Faster recovery time
Atherectomy
- Procedure: Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove plaque from the walls of an artery. It involves inserting a catheter with a specialized cutting or grinding device at its tip into an artery (usually in the groin or wrist), guiding it to the affected site, and removing the plaque to restore blood flow.
- When it is recommended: Atherectomy is typically recommended for patients with CAD who have significant blockages in their coronary arteries that are not suitable for treatment with angioplasty alone or when angioplasty has failed. It may also be used for peripheral artery disease (PAD) to treat blockages in the leg arteries.
- Risks: Some potential risks associated with atherectomy include:
- Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter insertion site
- Infection
- Damage to blood vessels or the heart
- Heart attack or arrhythmia during the procedure
- Embolization (plaque particles breaking off and traveling through the bloodstream)
- Restenosis of the treated artery
- Benefits: The benefits of atherectomy include:
- Improved blood flow through the treated artery
- Relief from angina and other CAD- or PAD-related symptoms
- Minimally invasive compared to open-heart surgery
- An alternative treatment option when angioplasty is not suitable
The Road to Healthier Vessels
At Pawana Hospital, our team uses the most advanced intravascular ultrasound techniques to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis, clots, and other vessel problems in patients from Maval, Talegaon, Lonavala, Dehuroad, Hinjewadi. Here’s when you might need an intravascular
Our cardiovascular specialists champion IVUS as part of our comprehensive care approach. We prioritize personalized patient care, leveraging innovative techniques to enhance diagnosis and treatment precision.
Whether it's deciphering vessel-related issues or monitoring the efficacy of treatments, our team is dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge and support necessary for a healthier life.
Take Charge of Your Vascular Health
Take the first step towards optimal health by discovering the possibilities IVUS offers. Reach out to our team at Pawana Hospital to schedule an appointment and explore how IVUS and other cutting-edge techniques can benefit your well-being.
Your journey towards healthier vessels begins here………….