L-mode display in IVUS (intravascular ultrasound)

L-mode display in IVUS (intravascular ultrasound)

L-mode display in IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) is a computerised reconstruction of a longitudinal section of the vessel using digitally stored images from a motorised pullback of the IVUS catheter. The cut plane should be selected through the center of the artery as the position of the catheter within the vessel can vary during the pullback. A major limitation of the L-mode is that the vessel is displayed as a straight structure in the reconstruction while actually it is never so. Moreover, only a single cut plane can be shown in L-mode display. Another disadvantage is that the vessel size changes in various phases of the cardiac cycle. This can produce a ‘saw tooth’ appearance, which is artifactual. Image acquisition in an electrocardiographically triggered mode can remove these artifacts.