Evaluation of Carotid Artery Plaque Using IVUS Virtual Histology.

SUMMARY: Currently carotid artery stenting (CAS) as well as carotid endoarterectomy (CEA) have become widely accepted forms of treatment for carotid artery stenosis, although complications associated with distal embolism remain problematic. Therefore it is important to have an accurate understanding of the properties of carotid plaque before undertaking CAS in order to ensure the safety of such a therapeutic treatment. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of using IVUS Virtual Histology TM (VHIVUS) to evaluate the pathological properties of plaque contained within carotid artery stenosis. VH-IVUS was performed for six cases undergoing CAS during the period of July to December, 2005. VH-IVUS displays plaque composition under four color mappings of fibrous, fibro-fatty, calcification and necrotic core, being able to offer detailed tissue characterization of soft to hard plaque components. Plaque evaluation by VH-IVUS is both reproducible and objective, and is considered to be an effective method for evaluating the risk complications associated with CAS.