INTRACORONARY ULTRASOUND

Although contrast angiography is important in the diagnosis and treatm ent of atherosclerotic disease, it does have limitations. Intracoronar y ultrasound more accurately assesses the amount of atherosclerosis an d has given us new insights into the pathophysiology of coronary plaqu e accumulation and remodelling. It also allows the monitoring of thera peutic intervention. Intracoronary ultrasound is a new gold standard. It does not obviate the need for angiography but provides complementar y information that enables us to perform optimal interventional proced ures.