Intravascular Two-Dimensional Catheter Ultrasound: Clinical Studies In The Periphery

We have developed and tested a two,dimensional catheter ultrasound system operating at 20MHZ and providing a 360 degree cross-sectional image at the catheter tip. Initial clinical trials have been performed in the peripheral (leg) vessels in the context of both diagnostic angiographic studies and therapeutic procedures (balloon angioplasty and atherectamy). The catheters provided high quality images of the extent and distribution of atherama in the vessel wall and were clinically useful in gauging the adequacy of the vascular repair. There were no complications to the patients arising from use of the imaging catheters.