Online PC-based integration of digital intracoronary ultrasound images into angiographic images during cardiac catheterization

In recent years, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has evolved as an important adjunct to angiography, providing insights that are significantly altering conventional paradigms in diagnosis and therapy. However, major drawbacks in the use of IVUS relied on the fact that a heavy console had to be moved from lab to lab, and extensive time for set up and image analysis. This additional time and the decrease in patients' through-put has not been applicable in clinical practice for many labs. Our manuscript concerns a novel PC-based platform for IVUS that enables the online intergration of digital intracoronary ultrasound images into angiographic images. This new technique offers remote operation, multiple control devices and custom viewing options. The PC-based platform enables IVUS images to be viewed simultaneously from multiple vantage points in the lab, and allows for multiple user interfaces.