THE POTENTIAL AND LIMITATIONS OF INTRAVASCULAR OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

The experience gained in the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for diagnosis and control of arterial sclerotic disease has been analyzed. The principles of OCT-image acquisition have been described, the advantages and disadvantages of intravascular OCT devices used in clinical practice have been assessed, and the safety and capabilities of intravascular OCT-procedure have been discussed. It has been demonstrated that intravascular OCT has great potential for understanding and treatment of arterial sclerotic disease. The capabilities of in vivo diagnosis of " vulnerable" atherosclerosis plaque and determination of calcium and macrophage content in atherosclerotic plaque, as well as features of coronarothrombosis have been addressed. Detailed attention has been given to the role of intravascular OCT in stenting follow-up. Possible ways of improvement of intravascular OCT and prospects of its further development have been considered.