IVUS Systems Benefit from Stent Controversy
In the absence of clear evidence describing why drug-coated stents are associated with more blood clots, healthcare providers are seeking means to monitor high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technology allows assessment of stent placement in addition to monitoring arteries.
IVUS systems entail catheters passed through arteries that simultaneously take ultrasound pictures within the arteries. The pictures can capture stents and cholestrol plaques within arteries.
Volcano’s catheter-camera for instance is delivered as a part of a cardiac cath lab solution from General Electric. Boston Scientific, Siemens, and Phillips have similar systems. See coverage on CNN Money.
Related coverage:
- Chairman Requests Information on Drug-Eluting Cardiac Stents
- Heart Bypass Surgery Gets a Second Look
- Drug-Coated Stents May Not Be Worth The Cost
- Drug-Coated Stents Not Always Best Option
March 27, 2007 Related topics: Imaging