Recent advances in intracoronary imaging techniques: focus on optical coherence tomography.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new imaging technology that utilizes advanced photonics and fiberoptics to obtain images and tissue characterization on a microscopic scale. The resolution of the current OCT system is 10-20 microm, which is approximately ten-times higher than that of intravascular ultrasound. Compared with conventional imaging modalities, OCT has a superior ability to evaluate vulnerable plaque features, such as plaque rupture, intracoronary thrombus, thin-capped fibroatheroma and macrophages within the fibrous caps. Furthermore, OCT can clearly visualize stent malapposition and tissue protrusion after stenting and neointimal hyperplasia at late follow-up. Although OCT is a specialized research tool, it might provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease.
Kubo
Takashi
T
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan. takakubo@wakayama-med.ac.jp
Akasaka
Takashi
T
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D017546:Angioscopy; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015607:Stents; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000639:trends; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional