ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the identification of typical vascular responses to coronary interventions. It focuses on how this high-definition imaging tool can help the operator guide the intervention and assist in real-time clinical decisions. Balloon angioplasty is frequently associated with plaque fracture and intimal surface disruption. A cutting balloon (CB) is a noncompliant (NC) balloon with longitudinally bonded microtomes on the outer balloon surface, and it is designed to score atherosclerotic plaque, render plaque extension easier, reduce elastic recoil, minimize intimal injury, prevent progressive dissections, and facilitate stent delivery and expansion. The chapter describes OCT as a high-resolution imaging technology is very sensitive to luminal abnormalities, and various morphologies of vessel injury after stent implantation. Morphological patterns of coronary calcified plaques. These plaques can be readily identified by OCT as signal-poor regions with sharp borders. Plaque modification by rotational atherectomy (RA) with major debulking and channel formation.
