ABSTRACT
The introduction of coronary imaging with conventional
x-ray angiography in the late 1950s has revolutionized the
care of patients with advanced coronary artery disease
(CAD).1-3 In modern practice, the identification of high-
grade stenoses in symptomatic patients has become the basis
to determine the need for percutaneous and surgical inter-
vention. However, despite the success of revascularization
therapies, CAD remains the leading cause of death in the
United States and Europe. It is increasingly obvious that
only interventions at earlier stages of disease development
can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of athero-
sclerotic disease.
