Intravascular ultrasound

Examination Overview

This test is used to detect fat and calcium buildup in the heart arteries. It uses high-pitched sound waves (ultrasound) that are bounced off a certain structure in the body to create a picture of that structure. The same method is used to create a picture of an unborn baby (fetus) through the mother's abdomen.

In intravascular ultrasound, a tiny device (transducer) that sends and receives sound waves is mounted on the tip of a thin flexible tube (catheter). The catheter is threaded through a blood vessel up into the coronary arteries. The device (transducer) uses ultrasound within the artery to create a complete image of the artery and provide information about the thickness and amount of plaque buildup in the artery wall.

This procedure is often done at the same time as coronary angiography or angioplasty. (See angiography in the Exams and Tests section.)

Why It Is Done

This test is occasionally used to diagnose coronary artery disease when the results of angiography are uncertain. It is most useful to locate the specific area where blockage is present before angioplasty or atherectomy procedures. The amount and type of plaque buildup present in the artery can help the doctor decide what procedure to do. This test is useful to determine the results of angioplasty and placement of a coronary artery stent.

Results

Calcium buildup appears as a thick shaded area. A tear in the lining of the blood vessel can also be seen.

What To Think About

This test is very accurate in assessing the extent and distribution of plaque in coronary arteries.

Complete the medical test information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.

Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: September 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
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