Optical coherence tomography

Introduction

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has developed within the last few years to become one of the most important intracoronary diagnostic tools available 1, 21. Regar E., Serruys P.W., ed. Optical Coherence Tomography in Cardiovascular Research. London: Informa Healthcare 2007. Link2. Low A.F., Tearney G.J., Bouma B.E. et al. Technology Insight: optical coherence tomography--current status and future development. Nat Clin Pract Cardiovasc Med Mar 2006;3:154-162;quiz 172. Link. This high-resolution technique with an axial resolution around 15 μm (compared with 150 μm for intravascular ultrasound, IVUS) allows a level of detail never reached before in vivo (Table 1). This has provided new insights into vessel wall-stent interaction 33. Bouma B.E., Tearney G.J., Yabushita H. et al. Evaluation of intracoronary stenting by intravascular optical coherence tomography. Heart Mar 2003;89:317-320. Link and plaque evaluation 44. Yabushita H., Bouma B.E., Houser S.L. et al. Characterization of human atherosclerosis by optical coherence tomography. Circulation Sep 24 2002;106:1640-1645. Link. OCT is a useful tool to guide stent implantation and permits very accurate assessment of stent apposition and coverage 5, 65. Prati F., Zimarino M., Stabile E. et al. Does optical coherence tomography identify...