OCT technology offers the promise of visualizing the microscopic characteristics of a vulnerable plaque - such as a large lipid pool covered by a thin fibrous cap - by creating extremely high-resolution images from within the coronary artery. Using near-infrared light, OCT bounces light off the vessel wall and collects details down to 10 microns, a resolution at least 20 times better than computed tomography. The resulting image of the coronary artery - captured in a matter of seconds - offers a clear depiction of the plaque's architecture.

In addition to its potential for identifying vulnerable plaques, the technology may also be used to determine optimal stent placement. In Japan, OCT imaging is a standard follow up to stenting procedures to determine if the stent has effectively widened the affected artery and the area is free of blood clots.

"The development of OCT and its rapid adoption for intravascular imaging is enabling the ability of clinicians to capture in vivo what was previously seen only through a pathologist's microscope," says Jang. "Of course, the long-term goal is to identify plaques and prevent sudden cardiac death and heart attacks."

Source: Massachusetts General Hospital