Optical coherence tomography: from research to practice

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2012 May;13(5):370-84. doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jes025. Epub 2012 Feb 13.

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution imaging technique with great versatility of applications. In cardiology, OCT has remained hitherto as a research tool for characterization of vulnerable plaques and evaluation of neointimal healing after stenting. However, OCT is now successfully applied in different clinical scenarios, and the introduction of frequency domain analysis simplified its application to the point it can be considered a potential alternative to intravascular ultrasound for clinical decision-making in some cases. This article reviews the use of OCT for assessment of lesion severity, characterization of acute coronary syndromes, guidance of intracoronary stenting, and evaluation of long-term results.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / pathology
  • Biomedical Research / instrumentation*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / pathology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Neointima / pathology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stents
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / instrumentation*
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / instrumentation