Three-Dimensional Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis of Coronary Stent Deployment and In-Stent Neointimal Volume:...

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) permits the detailed examination of coronary stent apposition and expansion in vivo. IVUS assessment of the extent and distribution of in-stent neointima at follow-up is an ideal model for the evaluation of new antiproliferative drugs that aim at a reduced in-stent neointimal hyperplasia. Recently, automated systems for three-dimensional reconstruction and analysis of IVUS images have been developed. This manuscript illustrates the methodology and clinical use of automated three-dimensional IVUS analysis systems during coronary stenting, and highlights the first randomized trials to apply such a technique for the assessment of in-stent neointima.