Evaluation of stent placement and outcomes with optical coherence tomography

摘要

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality based on fiberoptic technology. OCT imaging systems use optical imaging catheters that emit near-infrared light to produce high resolution, real-time images. The frequencies and bandwidths of infrared light are far higher than medical ultrasound signals, resulting in greatly increased image resolution, which is approximately ten-times higher than that of intravascular ultrasound. Compared with conventional imaging modalities, OCT is superior for the evaluation of vulnerable plaque features, which may be associated with a higher risk of peri-interventional myocardial infarction, such as plaque rupture, thrombus, thin-capped fibroatheroma and macrophages within the fibrous caps. OCT can clearly visualize stent malapposition and tissue prolapse after stent deployment, as well as neointimal hyperplasia and persistent thrombus at follow-up. OCT provides new insight into the assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease with stent placement.