Optical coherence tomography for imaging the vulnerable plaque

Guillermo J. Tearney; Ik-Kyung Jang; Brett E. Bouma

doi:10.1117/1.2192697

Abstract

While our understanding of vulnerable coronary plaque is still at an early stage, the concept that certain types of plaques predispose patients to developing an acute myocardial infarction continues to be at the forefront of cardiology research. Intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been developed to both identify and study these lesions due to its distinct resolution advantage over other imaging modalities. We review clinical research conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital over the past five years to develop, validate, and utilize this technology to improve our understanding of vulnerable plaque. Our results show that intracoronary OCT may be safely conducted in patients and that it provides abundant information regarding plaque microscopic morphology, which is essential to the identification and study of high-risk lesions. Even though many basic biological, clinical, and technological challenges must be addressed prior to widespread use of this technology, the unique capabilities of OCT ensure that it will have a prominent role in shaping the future of cardiology.

Citation Download Citation

Guillermo J. Tearney, Guillermo J. Tearney, Ik-Kyung Jang, Ik-Kyung Jang, Brett E. Bouma, Brett E. Bouma, } "Optical coherence tomography for imaging the vulnerable plaque," Journal of Biomedical Optics 11(2), 021002 (1 March 2006). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2192697 . Submission:

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

PERSONAL SIGN IN
Full access may be available with your subscription

Email or Username Forgot your username?

Password Forgot your password?

Show

Remember Email/Username on this computer

Remember Password

No SPIE account? Create an account
or Institutional Sign In via Shibboleth

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $20.00

Non-members: $25.00 ADD TO CART

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years