Background. Histological examination of the effects of balloon angioplasty have been described from in vitro experiments and a limited number of pathologic specimens. Intravascular ultrasound imaging permits real time cross-sectional observation of the effect of balloon dilation on the atherosclerotic plaque in vivo.Methods and Resuls. The morphological effects of coronary angioplasty were visualized at 66 lesions in 47 patients immediately after balloon dilatation with an intravascular ultrasound imaging catheter. Cross-
We conclude that angioscopy is superior to angiography for detecting complex lesion morphology in bypass grafts and that the presence of friable plaque does not preclude an uncomplicated angioplasty procedure.
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