Expert review document on methodology, terminology, and clinical applications of optical coherence tomography: physical principles, methodology of image acquisition, and clinical application for assessment of coronary arteries and atherosclerosis

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel intravascular imaging modality, based on infrared light emission, that enables a high resolution arterial wall imaging, in the range of 10-20 microns. This feature of OCT allows the visualization of specific components of the atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of the present Expert Review Document is to address the methodology, terminology and clinical applications of OCT for qualitative and quantitative assessment of coronary arteries and atherosclerosis.

SYNTAX Score and Pre- and Poststent Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris

“…The technique of intracoronary OCT imaging has been previously described 6 . OCT evaluation before PCI included lipid rich plaque, lipid arc, lipid index, fibrous cap thickness (FCT), thincap fibroatheroma (TCFA), calcium deposits, and microchannels [7][8][9] . Post-stent OCT evaluation included mallaposition, stent edge dissection, intra-stent dissection, and irregular protrusion [10][11][12] .…”

Imaging Techniques for the Assessment of Coronary Arteries in Diabetic Patients Undergoing PCI with Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds

“…There are two types of technologies that show OCT images: frequency domain and time domain. 25 OCT provides cross-sectional images of the coronary arteries and facilitates the identification of intimal hyperplasia, the external elastic laminae and the internal elastic laminae as echo-lucent regions, as opposed to IVUS that cannot provide this information. It can identify the key features of vulnerable plaque such as large lipid pools or thin fibrous caps.…”

“…OCT has the potential to detect angiogenesis. 25 For bioresorbable stents, the evaluation of the entire thickness it is now possible, because light can penetrate non-metallic structures. It is important to know that the degradation process is characterized by empty spaces that replace the stent column; however, this phenomenon was described in the first generation of bioresorbable stents, and in the second-generation model the degradation process was not visible.…”

Optical coherence tomography—current technology and applications in clinical and biomedical research

“…Their competitor Volcano Corporation also received clearance for the European market and is working towards the commercial release of their IV-OCT products [4]. Detailed reviews on the current status of technical development and clinical applications are available from Prati et al [202] and Suter et al [203].…”