Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography: Experience and Indications for Clinical Use

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a light based technology that provides very high spatial resolution images. OCT has been initially employed as a research tool to investigate plaque morphology and stent strut coverage. The introduction of frequency domain OCT, allowing fast image acquisition during a prolonged contrast injection via the guiding catheter, has made OCT applicable for guidance of coronary interventions. In this manuscript the various applications of OCT are reviewed, from assessment of plaque vulnerability and severity to characteristics of unstable lesions and thrombus burden to stent optimization and evaluation of late results.