Geometric Accuracy of Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging

In spite of the current interest in and clinical application of intravascular ultrasound imaging, there is very little published information on the limitations of this modality. In vitro studies on nine phantom vessels (diameter 4.76 to 12.7 mm) and 11 human arteries (diameter 3.7 to 6.2 mm) were performed to assess the potential sources of error of diagnostic intravascular ultrasound imaging. The effects of (1) blood flow velocity, (2) temperature, (3) eccentric, noncentral catheter placement, (4) alteration of the angle of incidence by 30 degrees, and (5) the effect of imaging in different mediums-saline solution, blood, and electrode gel-were studied. Variations in blood flow velocity (from 10 to 300 ml/min) and temperature (from 22° C to 37° C) resulted in a