Intravascular Ultrasound Guiding Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Complex Higher Risk-Indicated Patients (CHIPs): Insight from Clinical Evidence.

Abstract

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has transformed the management of complex higher risk-indicated patients (CHIPs), representing a pivotal advancement in high-risk procedure navigation. IVUS, complementing conventional angiography, provides unparalleled insights into lesion characteristics, plaque morphology, and vessel structure, enhancing the precision of stent placement and postprocedural care for CHIPs. The ongoing trials underscore the pivotal role of IVUS in optimizing procedural accuracy and improving clinical outcomes for high-risk patients, promising exciting new findings. However, notable gaps persist, encompassing the absence of standardized IVUS protocols, cost implications, and limited integration into routine practice. This study aims to address these gaps comprehensively by further delineating the influence of IVUS on patient outcomes, procedural success, and long-term prognostic indicators. This review aims to provide a clear overview of IVUS-guided PCI in CHIP, highlighting the significance of ongoing trials, identifying prevalent challenges, and outlining the objective of narrowing these gaps.