Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Interventional Procedures: a literature review

Ultrasound is a popular diagnostic technique, commonly used in medical practice. It is an excellent tool for procedure guidance because it creates an opportunity for safe minimally invasive therapies, but its biggest drawback is the lack of enhancement information. UCAs enhance US images significantly, thus widening the possibilities of US imaging and making CEUS a valuable complementary technique. UCAs can help make the treatment more effective, lessen complications, and improve the success rate of interventional procedures. Aim. The point of this article is to briefly summarise and present the importance of UCAs and the main types of promising CEUS-guided interventional procedures. Methods. Research papers were selected from the computer bibliographic database PubMed. Conclusion. CEUS makes differentiating body tissues easier without any adverse effects of more conventional diagnostic tools, improves the visual distinction of necrotic or vascularised areas, and the assessment of specific treatment response after many vascular, non-vascular, or even oncologic procedures. It is a convenient method for interventional procedures like biopsies, catheterizations, and ablations.