Fundamentals of Optical Coherence Tomography: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Daniel S Ong; Ik-Kyung Jang

doi:10.1016/j.iccl.2015.02.001

Fundamentals of Optical Coherence Tomography: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Interv Cardiol Clin. 2015 Jul;4(3):225-237. doi: 10.1016/j.iccl.2015.02.001. Epub 2015 May 29.

Authors

Daniel S Ong¹, Ik-Kyung Jang²

Affiliations

¹ Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
² Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Division of Cardiology, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Korea. Electronic address: ijang@mgh.harvard.edu.

PMID: 28581942
DOI: 10.1016/j.iccl.2015.02.001

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an intravascular imaging modality that enables high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of coronary arteries in vivo. With resolution that is a 10-fold improvement compared with intravascular ultrasonography, OCT can facilitate detailed plaque characterization. This article introduces the basic principles of OCT image acquisition and interpretation. Qualitative analysis entails the evaluation of plaque morphology, including features associated with plaque vulnerability to rupture. Quantitative analysis and recognition of OCT image artifacts are also discussed.

Keywords: Image interpretation; Intracoronary imaging; Optical coherence tomography; Vulnerable plaque.

Publication types

Review