Intravascular ultrasound: basic interpretation.

IVUS provides a new gold standard for visualization and measurement of coronary artery disease. Morphologic and morphometric observations by IVUS are in general considerably more detailed and accurate than those obtained by angiography. IVUS has led to new insights into the pathophysiology of coronary plaque accumulation with respect to adaptive vessel responses (remodeling) and their exhaustion (de-remodeling, shrinkage). Further technologic refinements need to focus on issues such as improvement in resolution and miniaturization of IVUS catheters to enhance the applicability of this imaging technique.