Intravascular ultrasound

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Anterior heart arteries

Cardiac catheterization

Coronary artery blockage

IVUS; Ultrasound - coronary artery; Endovascular ultrasound

There is a slight risk of complications associated with angioplasty and cardiac catheterization. However, the tests are very safe when performed by an experienced team. IVUS adds no additional risk.

Risks of angioplasty may include:

• Hemorrhage (bleeding) in area where the catheter was inserted
• Damage to a blood vessel
• Complete blockage of blood flow in a certain area
• Heart arrhythmias
• Allergic reaction to any dye used during the test
• Stroke

Risks of cardiac cathertization may include:

• Heart arrhythmias
• Cardiac tamponade
• Injury to the artery caused by a hematoma
• Low blood pressure
• Hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Allergic reaction to any dye used during the test

Review Date: 08/15/2006
Reviewed By: Augusto Pichard, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.