The proceedings from an expert consensus roundtable discussing the advantages of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lower extremity revascularization procedures have been released in the JSCAI, JVIR, and Journal of Vascular Surgery—Vascular Insights.
The roundtable focused on challenges in diagnosing and treating lower extremity revascularization, knowledge gaps, and the potential role of IVUS. Experts from interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery shared insights and experiences.
The meeting, convened by SCAI and co-sponsored by various medical societies, aimed to address the current limitations in peripheral vascular intervention outcomes compared to other endovascular treatments. The roundtable discussions emphasized the potential benefits of peripheral IVUS in reducing adverse events and extending the patency of lower extremity revascularization procedures.
Lower extremity revascularization is a crucial procedure for restoring blood flow to the legs and feet in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and deep venous pathology. Millions worldwide suffer from these conditions, leading to severe pain, non-healing wounds, and potential limb loss if untreated.
While angiography is the dominant imaging modality in revascularization, it has limitations. IVUS, a minimally invasive imaging technique, allows real-time visualization of blood vessels, providing detailed information about vessel walls, plaque composition, and blood flow characteristics.
The participants highlighted IVUS’s potential in guiding revascularization procedures, emphasizing the need for further research and evidence to integrate IVUS into routine clinical practice. The insights from the roundtable aim to shape future research, training, and clinical guidelines in the field of lower extremity revascularization, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing were emphasized to establish treatment standards, training programs, and global quality metrics in the field.