Use of optical coherence tomography in interventional cardiology

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has offered a greater understanding of coronary atherosclerosis with the ability to visualize plaque and quantify the thin, fibrous cap. Furthermore, OCT is able to traverse many of the limitations of angiography and intravascular ultrasound when imaging coronary stents in vivo. These applications are as a result of the use of near-infrared light, permitting an almost ‘histological’ resolution of the coronary artery. Novel developments with faster OCT pullback speeds (up to 20 mm/s with the next generation Fourier-domain systems) will further simplify the procedural requirements, meaning that the use of a proximal occlusion balloon is eliminated. Hence, OCT is, and will continue to be a unique imaging modality that is able to help improve our understanding of the atherosclerotic process and shed light on the all important interaction between coronary stents and the vessel wall.