Open AccessIntegrated intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography technology: a promising tool to identify vulnerable plaques [INVITED PAPER]
Author(s) -
Jiawen Li,
Zhongping Chen
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of biomedical photonics and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2411-2844
DOI - 10.18287/jbpe-2015-1-4-209
Subject(s) - optical coherence tomography , intravascular ultrasound , radiology , biomedical engineering , medicine , elastography , modality (human–computer interaction) , vulnerable plaque , computer science , artificial intelligence , ultrasound , pathology
Heart attack is mainly caused by the rupture of a vulnerable plaque. IVUS-OCT is a novel medical imaging modality that provides opportunities for accurate assessment of vulnerable plaques in vivo in patients. IVUS provides deep penetration to image the whole necrotic core while OCT enables accurate measurement of the fibrous cap of a plaque owing to its high resolution. In this paper, the authors describe the fundamentals, the technical designs and the applications of IVUS-OCT technology. Results from cadaver specimens are summarized, which indicated the complementary nature of OCT and IVUS for assessment of vulnerable plaques, plaque composition, and stent-tissue interactions. Furthermore, previously reported in vivo animal experiments are reviewed to assess the clinical adaptability of IVUS-OCT. Future directions for this technology are also discussed in this review.