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Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography: Insights from Clinical Research—What Do We Need to Learn?

  • Intravascular Imaging (E Regar and U Landmesser, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution technology for imaging of biological tissues that has shown tremendous potential for intracoronary use. Based on near-infrared light rather than ultrasound, catheter-based OCT provides cross-sectional images of the vessel wall and related devices in a histology-like manner. At present, OCT is primarily being used in research to better characterize and understand the pathophysiology of vulnerable plaques and to study the acute and long-term effects of coronary stent implantation. The present review provides the interventional cardiologist with a summary of the clinical research involving OCT, with an emphasis on specific challenges and how these may be overcome to promote a shift from the mainly research application of this technology, to a wider adoption in clinical practice.

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References

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Maria D. Radu, Henning Kelbæk, Erik Jørgensen, Steffen Helqvist, Bettina Løjmand, Thomas Engstrøm, and Kari I. Saunamäki declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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  1. Department of Cardiology, Section 2013, The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Maria D. Radu, Henning Kelbæk, Erik Jørgensen, Steffen Helqvist, Bettina Løjmand, Thomas Engstrøm & Kari I. Saunamäki

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  1. Maria D. Radu
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  2. Henning Kelbæk
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Correspondence to Maria D. Radu.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Intravascular Imaging

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Radu, M.D., Kelbæk, H., Jørgensen, E. et al. Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography: Insights from Clinical Research—What Do We Need to Learn?. Curr Cardiovasc Imaging Rep 7, 9286 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12410-014-9286-9

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