The safely and efficiency of a novel imaging technique in carotid arteries have been resolved in a new study based on optical coherence tomography (OCT).
A study of OCT application in carotid stent patients and two commentaries on the topic has been published in the current issue of the Journal of Endovascular Therapy. Several physicians have offered their support to OCT for better understanding of cardiac disease and for modifying the stenting procedure.
OCT is an invasive intravascular imaging system that uses light to deliver high-resolution images. It achieves 10x higher resolutions compared to other diagnostic imaging methods, and generates images of tissues at almost histological resolution. Application of OCT is limited due to the degree of tissue penetration and interference by blood flow.
In the current study, 25 patients who experienced carotid artery stenting also underwent OCT prior to stent deployment, soon after stent placement and postdilation. Around 97.3% success was achieved with the OCT technique without causing any complications in the patients.
Physicians conducted demonstrations with OCT and found plaque prolapse, rupture of the fibrous cap, and stent malapposition in patients. According to the authors, more details on carotid stenting can be obtained via its potential applications and this will enable creating clinical policies based on its application.
Due to varied results from European trials and lack of reimbursement in the U.S., carotid artery stenting did not yield predicted potential. Evaluation of critical aspects of carotid artery stenting can be achieved with OCT. Further evidences from OCT clinical research will promote the value and importance of the carotid artery stenting procedure.