Routine Use of Intravascular Ultrasound in Lower Extremity Peripheral Interventions Significantly Reduces Contrast Use and Maximizes Treatment Efficacy

Abstract

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a uniquely objective but underutilized modality during the performance of peripheral arterial disease treatment. IVUS has been shown to improve device size selection and diagnose occult pathology that is difficult to see with routine angiography. We hypothesize that the use of IVUS in lower extremity endovascular intervention improves accuracy in stent and balloon size selection and helps to minimize contrast used.