Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography: Insights from Clinical Research-What Do We Need to Learn?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution technology for imaging of biological tissues that has shown tremendous potential for intracoronary use. Based on near-infrared light rather than ultrasound, catheter-based OCT provides cross-sectional images of the vessel wall and related devices in a histology-like manner. At present, OCT is primarily being used in research to better characterize and understand the pathophysiology of vulnerable plaques and to study the acute and long-term effects of coronary stent implantation. The present review provides the interventional cardiologist with a summary of the clinical research involving OCT, with an emphasis on specific challenges and how these may be overcome to promote a shift from the mainly research application of this technology, to a wider adoption in clinical practice.