[Endovascular echography]

The author reports data obtained by endoluminal pre and post-therapeutical ultrasound imaging of the wall architecture and lumen morphology of the arteries and varicose veins. In these studies, 20 and 25 MHz probes were used. These probes were covered with a 1 to 1.6 mm diameter flexible catheter and were introduced into the lumen of the vessels. Then, the probe was mechanically oriented in order to give, in cross-sectional section and real time, 360 degrees 2D images. The anatomical elements of the vessel wall and lumen, visualized with this technique, were described. The intima and adventitia appeared as echogenic structures while the media appeared as a non echogenic structure. The characteristics of endoluminal reactions such as atheromatous plaque, stenosis, thrombogenic and sclerogenic reactions were described. In conclusion, endovascular ultrasound imaging shows, accurate images of the morphology and dynamics of the arterial and venous vessel lumen and wall. This new technology can be used helpfully before, during and after vessel medical or surgical treatment.