Abstract
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 µm, 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.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.