Imaging technique - IVUS, OCT
Dr. Suman Bhandari brings over 40 years of experience in advanced cardiac interventions, utilizing cutting-edge technology and a patient-first approach to deliver exceptional care.
♥IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound)
🩺Overview
IVUS is an imaging technique that uses a tiny ultrasound probe attached to a catheter to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of blood vessels, particularly coronary arteries. It allows doctors to see the vessel wall, measure plaque burden, and guide complex procedures like stenting or angioplasty.
🔬Procedure
- A catheter with an ultrasound probe is inserted via the radial or femoral artery.
- It is guided to the coronary artery and slowly withdrawn to capture images.
- The data is processed to create detailed 2D/3D images of the artery interior.
✅Advantages
- Accurate measurement of plaque and vessel size
- Better stent selection and placement
- Reduces risk of restenosis and stent thrombosis
- Improves long-term outcomes in complex PCI cases
🏥Aftercare & Recovery
- Standard post-angioplasty care
- Antiplatelet therapy
- Follow-up imaging if needed for stent surveillance
- Lifestyle and risk factor modification
♥OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
🩺Overview
OCT is a light-based imaging technology that provides ultra-high-resolution images of the inner lining of blood vessels. It uses near-infrared light to create detailed images of the coronary artery lumen and stents, often used to assess stent placement and plaque characteristics.
🔬Procedure
- A catheter with a fiber-optic imaging system is inserted into the artery.
- Contrast dye is injected to clear blood from the field of view.
- The catheter pulls back rapidly, capturing high-speed light reflections.
- Data is converted into high-resolution cross-sectional images.
✅Advantages
- Unmatched image clarity and detail
- Ideal for assessing stent-vessel wall interface
- Helps detect subtle procedural issues early
- Improves accuracy of diagnosis and intervention strategy
🏥Aftercare & Recovery
- Similar to post-angioplasty care
- No special imaging follow-up unless clinically indicated
- Focus on dual antiplatelet therapy and lifestyle management
