Intravascular ultrasound imaging as applied to the aorta: a new tool for the cardiovascular surgeon.

Intravascular ultrasound is a novel endovascular imaging technology that is useful as an imaging tool for diagnosis and treatment of arterial and venous pathologies. Intravascular ultrasound is particularly useful as a decision-making tool in the endovascular management of vascular pathologies. Recently the aorta has become increasingly amenable to endovascular technology, and with the advent of intravascular ultrasound detailed imaging, using intravascular ultrasound permits the diagnosis and endovascular management of various complex aortic pathologies affecting the abdominal and thoracic aorta. Various aortic pathologies including thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, type B dissections, penetrating aortic ulcers, coarctation of the aorta, and many other aortic pathologies, which were once only amenable by open surgical repair are increasingly being managed with endoluminal technology. As experience develops with this technology, more complex aortic pathologies would become readily amenable to advanced endovascular interventions.