How Does Intravascular Imaging Assist Interventional Cardiologists?

Abstract

In recent years, intravascular (IV) imaging has gained significant prominence in the field of interventional cardiology. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) have demonstrated the benefits of routine IV imaging in cardiovascular outcomes. IV imaging aids in the assessment of lesion morphology prior to the intervention, facilitates the selection of appropriate tools for lesion preparation, enables prediction and preparation for potential complications during the procedure, determines optimal stent size and length, assists in the post-percutaneous coronary intervention optimization of stent position, and helps address issues such as lesion coating, edge dissection, stent fracture, and malapposition that are not easily identifiable through conventional angiography.  This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the expanding applications of IV imaging in interventional cardiology and highlight its significance in facilitating the work of operators during procedures.