Micro Optical Coherence Tomography for Coronary Imaging.

Kensuke Nishimiya,Guillermo Tearney

doi:10.3389/fcvm.2021.613400

Abstract

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) that produces images with 10 μm resolution has emerged as a significant technology for evaluating coronary architectural morphology. Yet, many features that are relevant to coronary plaque pathogenesis can only be seen at the cellular level. This issue has motivated the development of a next-generation form of OCT imaging that offers higher resolution. One such technology that we review here is termed micro-OCT (μOCT) that enables the assessment of the cellular and subcellular morphology of human coronary atherosclerotic plaques. This chapter reviews recent advances and ongoing works regarding μOCT in the field of cardiology. This new technology has the potential to provide researchers and clinicians with a tool to better understand the natural history of coronary atherosclerosis, increase plaque progression prediction capabilities, and better assess the vessel healing process after revascularization therapy.

Highlights

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) that produces images with 10 μm resolution has emerged as a significant technology for evaluating coronary architectural morphology
Despite the potential importance of physiological assessment of myocardial ischemia due to significant organic coronary stenosis [20], recent studies have highlighted that the initial interventional strategy with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass does not necessarily result in better clinical outcomes in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients when compared to optimal medical therapy [21]
We review the developments in μOCT technology and describe its potential clinical implications for intracoronary imaging

Summary

Introduction

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) that produces images with 10 μm resolution has emerged as a significant technology for evaluating coronary architectural morphology. One such technology that we review here is termed micro-OCT (μOCT) that enables the assessment of the cellular and subcellular morphology of human coronary atherosclerotic plaques. ΜOCT has been shown to visualize swine and human coronary endothelial cells ex vivo [40].

Results

Conclusion