SonoCalc IMT

CIMT Evaluation

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a measure of the two innermost layers of the carotid artery. Clinical studies over the last 20 years have shown that after factoring for age, gender, and ethnicity, individuals with advanced CIMT values have a greater risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events than those with CIMT values judged to be normal for the same age, gender, and ethnicity.
 

• Fully automated, the Windows®-based PC applications auto-calibrates a CIMT measurement taken from a SonoSite® system with the click of a button


• Semi-automated, the user can guide CIMT sketches or trace measurements for difficult images or clinician-directed areas of specific interest


• Caliper point-to-point measurements for focal plaque(s)


• Provides statistical analysis of multiple CIMT measurements, including mean average and mean maximum for patient composite “scoring”


• Storage of CIMT measurements with corresponding patient information, including presence and size of focal plaque, gender, ethnicity, and age for future reference


• Access to previously loaded CIMT measurements allows for the evaluation of CIMT progression over time


• CIMT measurements can be summarized and generated into reports and graphs that compare published study results for reference


• Reports are downloadable, printable or screen-viewable for physician evaluation
   

The Exam
After a brief explanation of the procedure, the patient reclines on the examination table with their neck extended. The physician places the ultrasound probe on the patient’s neck and isolates and acquires images of the carotid artery. Longitudinal images are acquired in anterior, posterior and lateral/direct views from both the left and right carotid arteries, generally in the portion just proximal to the bifurcation. As the images are being acquired, the physician can note the presence of visible, focal plaque as well as areas of possible thickening of the IMT. All images are saved on the ultrasound system for further review and analysis.

Using Sonocalc IMT to Get the Whole Picture
Once all of the images have been captured, they are downloaded to a PC using SonoSite’s SiteLink™ software.
The physician then launches the SonoCalc IMT software and creates a new patient profile. The software allows information like age, gender and ethnicity to be used along with IMT data to create a complete patient profile.
Using the software, the physician can analyze the series of captured images and produce a complete patient profile report, detailing mean and maximal IMT as well as showing the patient’s results in relation to published IMT study data.

The physician can also save a copy of the report in the patient’s file for use in serial measurement tracking. This can be particularly useful in tracking the effect of treatment over time. A copy can also be printed for the patient so they have a visual reminder, to aid in compliance with treatment.