IMPact on Revascularization Outcomes of IVUS Guided Treatment of Complex Lesions and Economic Impact

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown in clinical trials, registries, and meta-analyses to reduce recurrent events after PCI. This is accomplished by improving the angiographic result with lesion and vessel assessment to guide stent selection and implantation and intravascular imaging following stent implantation to ensure an adequate treatment endpoint has been achieved. Despite extensive literature supporting the use of IVUS in PCI, utilization remains low in the United States. An increasing number of high-risk or complex lesions are being treated with PCI and we hypothesize that the impact of IVUS in these complex lesions will be of increased importance in reducing clinical adverse events while remaining cost effective.