Intravascular Ultrasound (ICE)
Why
is the doctor performing this test?
To view the
inner lining of the coronary (heart) or peripheral vascular (e.g. lower
abdomen, kidneys, arms, legs) arteries. Intravascular ultrasound allows
detailed evaluation of plaque (atherosclerosis)--its distribution,
location, size, effect on blood vessel diameter--that may be lining the
inside of your arteries. This information is used to evaluate
cardiovascular disease which assists in determining the next step in
treatment if needed (i.e. angioplasty or bypass surgery).
What
is the test?
Intravascular
ultrasound (IVUS) is an invasive diagnostic test using a catheter with a
sound transducer (or sound probe) on the end. It is usually performed in
conjunction with angiography/catheterization and/or transcatheter
interventions (e.g. PTCA, stent, etc.) The catheter is threaded thru the
artery in the groin to a specific location of the arterial system to
further diagnose the extent of disease. High-frequency sound waves are used
to create precise images of the inner arterial walls. These images are
displayed in streaming video on a monitor. Once the diagnosis is made, the
catheter with the ultrasound tip attached is carefully removed, and then
pressure is applied over the groin area to stop any bleeding.
Where
is the test performed?
In the
Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
How
long does this test take?
Intravascular
ultrasound usually takes thirty to sixty minutes.
|
