Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to see inside blood vessels. It is useful for evaluating the coronary arteries that supply the heart.

IVUS may also be used to:

• Make sure a stent is correctly placed during angioplasty
• Determine where a stent should be placed
• View the aorta and structure of the artery walls, which can show plaque buildup
• Find which blood vessel is involved in aortic dissection

How does it work?

A tiny ultrasound wand is attached to the top of a thin tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin area and moved up to the heart.