OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT) is an advanced technique allowing Cardiologist to see the inside of an artery in 10 times more detail than Intravascular ultrasound technique. OCT is one of the most effective techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases.
What is Optical Coherence Tomography Procedure
In OCT procedure, the near infrared light is used to create image of the inside of the Coronary Arteries. This OCT technique delivers very high resolution images to assess the severity of the coronary blockages for Angioplasty.
Clinical Indications of Optical Coherence Tomography
- Delineation of Angiographically uncertain lesion
- Evaluation for types of lesion & complexity
- Evaluation of amount of calcium in the artery
- Lesion assessment pre percutaneous coronary intervention
- Stent deployment post percutaneous coronary intervention
- To assess post stenting complications
Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography
- In-Stent Restenosis
- Assessment of Calcified Lesions
- Thrombosis
- Stent Sizing
- Stent Deployment &Malapposition
- Stent Deployment & Edge Dissection
- Bifurcation Lesion Evaluation
- Bioabsorbable Scaffold
- Decision Whether to Stent a Lesion or Not
Advantages of Optical Coherence Tomography
- Decreases stent related complications
- Helps in proper stent sizing
- Can avoid stenting in younger patients especially those with thrombus but no blockages in acute heart attack
- Decrease the chances of long term stent failure
- Helps to know the cause of stent failure
