Intravascular ultrasound imaging in patients with acute myocardial infarction: comparison with chronic stable angina pectoris.

Abstract

This study demonstrates that ICUS with 4.8 or 3.5 F catheters is feasible and safe in selected patients with AMI, and adds little to the overall duration of the angioplasty procedure. The identification and demarcation of atherosclerotic plaque provided by ICUS could prove valuable in guiding PTCA, in deciding on appropriate therapy, and in acute and long-term follow-up of AMI patients.