Importance of multi-planar imaging for the evaluation of arterial stents

Endovascular intervention has emerged as a first-line therapy for peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Duplex ultrasound has been used for surveillance after vascular interventions and is an integral component for evaluating patients after endovascular procedures. Technical protocols vary; however, most include color flow imaging and pulsed Doppler with an emphasis on single plane long-axis imaging. Exclusion of short-axis imaging, however, may miss pathologies involving the medial or lateral vessel wall. This report will describe the importance of imaging in multiple planes for evaluation of the peripheral arteries in patients after endovascular interventions.