Optical Coherence Tomography for the Assessment of Coronary Atherosclerosis and Vessel Response after Stent Implantation

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a light-based imaging modality that can provide in vivo high-resolution images of the coronary artery with a level of resolution (axial 10-20 µm) ten times higher than intravascular ultrasound. The technique, uses low-coherent near infrarred light to create high-resolution cross sectional images of the vessel. The technology refinement achieved in the last years has made this imaging modality less procedurally demanding opening its possibilities for clinical use. The present thesis provides important data regarding the safety of image acquisition in the clinical setting, the validation of quantitative OCT analysis and the potential clinical applications of OCT. Some of the publications included in the book demonstrate the value of OCT for the characterization of coronary atherosclerosis in vivo alone or in combination with other intracoronary modalities. The unique imaging capabilities of OCT allow a detailed evaluation of the effects of stent implantation on the vessel wall at different time points. The technique may also provide new insights into the mechanisms of stent failure (restenosis and thrombosis) and appears as a useful tool for the evaluation of new generation stents (i.e. reabsorbable) developed to overcome the limitations of metallic stenting.

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